Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar slams P. Chidambaram’s criticism of new criminal laws

Vice-President criticizes Chidambaram's remarks on new criminal laws, emphasizes Parliament's wisdom and India's space industry potential.

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 06 described as an “inexcusable insult to the wisdom of Parliament” certain critical remarks purportedly made by senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on the new criminal laws.

Speaking at the 12th convocation of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) here, Mr. Dhankhar said, “This honourable gentleman, a distinguished Member of Parliament with great background as Finance Minister, and what he says I quote, ‘New laws were drafted by part-timers.’ Are we part-timers in Parliament? Inexcusable insult to the wisdom of Parliament.”

Mr. Dhankhar was apparently referring to remarks made by Mr. Chidamabaram in an interview given to an English daily, although he did not mention the Congress leader by name.

In passing the new laws, the Parliament has unshackled the nation from colonial legacy, Mr. Dhankhar said. He added that every MP had the opportunity to contribute on the floor of the House. But “the gentleman did not use his lung power, he gave total rest to his vocal chords while debate was going on.”

Mr. Dhankhar said that the “derogatory, defamatory, highly insulting observations to Members of Parliament” should be withdrawn.

Observing that the space industry is “undergoing a thrilling metamorphosis,” the Vice-President said that the success of ISRO’s missions has contributed to India’s diplomatic soft power and enhanced the quality of life for millions.

The coming decades will witness an unprecedented surge in space and space exploration. India with its robust space programme, and a growing pool of skilled professionals, is well positioned to be a key player in this exciting journey, he said.