Travesty of truth: Chidambaram slams MEA assertion that new farm laws passed after full debate
New
Delhi,
Feb
4:
Senior
Congress
leader
P
Chidambaram
on
Thursday
contested
the
assertion
in
a
Ministry
of
External
Affairs
(MEA)
statement
that
the
new
farm
laws
were
passed
in
Parliament
after
a
full
debate
and
discussion,
terming
it
as
"a
travesty
of
the
truth".
In
a
statement
issued
on
Wednesday,
the
MEA
had
slammed
the
remarks
made
by
American
singer
Rihanna
and
other
celebrities
and
activists
on
farmer
protests,
saying
the
facts
on
the
issue
must
be
ascertained
before
rushing
to
comment
on
it.
The MEA had asserted that the farm laws were passed by Parliament after a full debate and discussion.
Referring to the statement, Chidambaram tweeted, "MEA''s statement reads ''The Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector''."
Temptation of sensation: MEA slams foreign individuals for comments on farmer protests
"That is a travesty of the truth," he said
The record of the Rajya Sabha and the video record will show that there was not a full discussion, microphones of some MPs were muted, and a "call for division (that is a vote) was summarily rejected", the former Union minister said in a series of tweets.
Repeal 3 farm laws: Derek O'Brien presses govt
"If MEA distorts the truth on a matter where there is a record, who will believe MEA''s other statements?" Chidambaram said, tagging External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
On Wednesday too, Chidambaram had hit out at the MEA, saying it is good that Rihanna and Greta Thunberg can wake up the ministry.
"Come on MEA, when will you realise that people concerned with issues of human rights and livelihoods do not recognise national boundaries? Why did MEA comment on the military coup in Myanmar? Why is it ''deeply concerning'' to the MEA?" he had said.
Recommended Video
The MEA statement had come after global celebrities such as singer Rihanna and climate activist Thunberg expressed support to the farmers'' protests.