Priyanka slams Modi, says raising issues of people is not ‘drama’

Hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusations that the Opposition parties’ protest in Parliament were drama, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Monday (December 1, 2025) that, rather, refusing to allow a discussion on issues of public importance constitutes the real “drama.”

Ms. Vadra told reporters outside Parliament, “What is Parliament for? It is not drama. Speaking about and raising issues is not drama. Drama is the refusal to allow discussion and the absence of democratic debate on matters of public concern.”

“We have spoken about air pollution. Why are we not allowed to discuss these issues?” she added.

Her brother and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, declined to comment when reporters asked him to respond to the Prime Minister.

But she responded to the Prime Minister’s remarks including his comments to reporters to “enjoy the weather.”

Enjoy the weather

“The Prime Minister says, ‘enjoy the weather’. What weather should the people of Delhi enjoy? At least take a peek outside to see what is happening in the country,” Ms. Vadra said.

“I really feel that this situation is shameful. This is the capital city of our country. I feel that we should set aside party affiliations and, in alliance with administrative, political, civil society, and judicial elements, take some strong steps,” she said.

Citing a study, Ms. Vadra said 22 lakh children have permanent damage to their lungs, apparently due to air pollution.

“How can one do this to our children. There are old people who are suffering, people who have asthma already, and people who have other respiratory issues; hospitals are full of respiratory issues. How can we sit here and do nothing?” the Congress leader said.

“We are here to provide support. The Central Government and State Government must take immediate action.”