Parliament Winter Session: Priyanka Chaturvedi says, ‘Chor ki daadhi mein tinka’; accuses govt of dodging key agendas

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi at Parliament. (Pic/PTI)

After concluding the proceedings for the second day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed the government for avoiding critical debates.Chaturvedi alleged that issues of national concern, particularly the stress-induced deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and the ongoing SIR process, are being deliberately sidelined by the ruling government, news agency ANI reported.

While speaking to the media outside the Parliament on Tuesday, she said, "The Parliament session is done as per the timeline. You filled all your business in that timeline. We are saying that a certain agenda is important, the manner in which the SIR is ongoing, and BLOs are being given such heavy targets that they are dying from stress. That should be a matter of discussion."

Accusing the government of deliberately avoiding scrutiny, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP added, "They don't want to do this because 'chor ki daadhi mein tinka hain'. If it is discussed, all their lies will be exposed. So, we walked out as they were running away from the discussion."

Chaturvedi also strongly criticised the government's directive mandating the Sanchar Saathi app, calling the official clarification "absolutely wrong", reported ANI.

Notification on Sanchar Saathi app should be withdrawn: Priyanka Chaturvedi

Earlier in the day, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia asserted that activating the Sanchar Saathi app on mobile handsets is not mandatory, and it is entirely up to consumers to use it or delete it like any other app.

Addressing reporters outside Parliament, Scindia stressed that users retain full autonomy; those who do not wish to use the app are free not to register, and they may also delete it at any time.

"If you want to activate it, do so. If you do not want to activate it, don't. Delete it if you wish. It is entirely your choice," said Scindia.

On this clarification, Chaturvedi stated, "The clarification is absolutely wrong. They are saying that its function should not be restricted, and it should not be disabled."

The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP further said, "If what the minister is saying is true, then the notification should be withdrawn, and a fresh notification should be issued, and an apology must be offered to the country."

Earlier on Tuesday, Chaturvedi also shared a copy of the directive by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) in a post on social media platform X and wrote, "I will request the Telecom Minister of India to read the notification before calling it an 'unnecessary controversy'." Read page 2, point 7B. It is clearly written in it that the app's functionality is neither disabled nor restricted…"

(With inputs from ANI)