New Delhi: Union minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday criticised opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he has “no respect” for constitutional institutions and calling it “a matter of shame.”
Speaking in Delhi, Goyal said Gandhi shows arrogance and disrespectful conduct, and claimed he lacks understanding of his legal and constitutional duties as a citizen and as the Leader of the Opposition.
Goyal referred to Gandhi’s meeting with President Droupadi Murmu, saying the President promptly and courteously grants time when an appointment is sought. He alleged that Gandhi submitted a petition without attaching facts, data or evidence to support his allegations, and said the President asked him to provide the required proof.
After the meeting, Goyal said he did not know on what basis Gandhi claimed that the President had accepted his allegations. He condemned Gandhi’s criticism of the President for seeking evidence and also criticised the conduct of opposition members who accompanied him.
Goyal demanded that Gandhi apologise to the President, who is also the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, and said he should also apologise to 140 crore Indians for allegedly denigrating constitutional institutions. He added that respect for the Constitution must be reflected in conduct, not merely by carrying a copy of it.
