New Delhi – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not avoid attending the Lok Sabha (Parliament) session due to a threat from Members of Parliament (MPs), but rather due to a lack of confidence in the government’s ability to handle a crucial bill.

Gandhi’s statement comes in response to speculation and reports circulating regarding the Prime Minister’s absence from the House on Wednesday. While the government initially cited a ‘security concern’ as the reason for Modi’s absence, Gandhi has strongly refuted this claim, alleging that the real reason was the government’s inability to secure sufficient support for the government’s proposed amendments to the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Bill.

“The Prime Minister did not come to the Lok Sabha because he did not have confidence in the government’s ability to pass the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Bill,” Gandhi stated in a press conference. He further elaborated that the government had failed to garner the necessary support from key allies and opposition parties, leading to a situation where Modi felt it was inappropriate to participate in the proceedings.

Government’s Response

The government, however, maintains its stance that the decision to keep the Prime Minister away was based on a genuine security concern. A statement released by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs confirmed that a ‘security threat’ had been identified, necessitating the Prime Minister’s absence. They emphasized that the security of the Prime Minister and all members of Parliament is paramount.

The controversy surrounding Modi’s absence has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition parties accusing the government of attempting to deflect attention from its legislative shortcomings. They argue that the government’s failure to secure support for the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Bill is a clear indication of its weakness and lack of consensus.

The Mineral (Auction) Amendment Bill aims to increase the government’s revenue by auctioning off mineral blocks. However, several opposition parties have voiced concerns about the bill’s potential impact on tribal communities and environmental regulations. The government has attempted to address these concerns through consultations and amendments, but has yet to achieve a breakthrough.

The situation highlights the challenges facing the government in navigating a complex political landscape and securing support for its key legislative priorities. Gandhi’s assertion adds another layer to the ongoing debate, suggesting that the Prime Minister’s absence was driven by a strategic calculation rather than a genuine security threat. The coming days are likely to witness further political maneuvering and attempts to resolve the impasse.