Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday dismissed opposition criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s occasional absence from Parliament, calling such expectations “unfair and unrealistic.” Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Rijiju said the Prime Minister maintains a disciplined presence in the House and is absent only when official duties demand it.
“The Prime Minister makes it a point to attend proceedings unless he is visiting a state for an important event or is abroad on a diplomatic mission,” Rijiju stated, pushing back against repeated opposition barbs during the Monsoon Session that Modi is not regularly seen in either House.
The remarks follow a week of intense political sparring in Parliament, with several opposition leaders questioning Modi’s commitment to democratic processes. Some MPs alleged that the government was avoiding accountability on key issues, including Operation Sindoor and the internal security situation, by not ensuring the PM’s presence during debates.
PM’s Attendance Shouldn’t Be Politicised: Rijiju
Rijiju, who holds the portfolio of Parliamentary Affairs, said the Prime Minister’s responsibilities extend beyond the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha floor and include both national governance and international representation. “It is incorrect to equate leadership with constant physical presence in Parliament. The PM leads from the front, whether on the floor of the House or on the world stage,” he argued.
He also pointed out that Modi has attended several key sessions, including debates on national security, the economy, and major policy announcements. “Let us not make a political issue out of logistics. No other Prime Minister has maintained this level of visibility and engagement in multiple forums,” Rijiju added.
Opposition Criticism Continues
Despite Rijiju’s defence, the opposition remains vocal. Members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc have accused the government of evading accountability. They have demanded the Prime Minister’s direct participation in debates on national crises, including internal security incidents and foreign policy decisions.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recently said, “Parliament is not just a building. It is the soul of our democracy, and the absence of the head of government during key debates is deeply disrespectful to that spirit.”
Several other opposition MPs echoed similar sentiments, with some staging symbolic walkouts during the PM’s absence. The demand for Modi’s regular participation in legislative proceedings has become a flashpoint between the treasury benches and opposition lawmakers during the current session.
Parliamentary Decorum vs Political Optics
Observers say the issue touches on a deeper debate about the nature of democratic leadership in a hyper-connected era. While there is no constitutional requirement mandating the Prime Minister’s continuous presence in the House, the symbolic weight of such appearances during moments of national importance cannot be overstated.
Rijiju urged all political parties to maintain the dignity of Parliament by avoiding personal attacks and focusing instead on constructive discussion. “Democracy thrives when dialogue replaces disruption. The PM believes in debate, but governance also means being where the country needs him most at any given time,” he concluded.
As the Monsoon Session continues, the tug-of-war between opposition demands for visibility and the government’s assertion of duty-based absence is likely to persist, underscoring both the performative and procedural aspects of India’s parliamentary democracy.
