‘How Does It Matter?’ Sitharaman Rebukes TMC MP For Objecting To Her Hindi Speech In Lok Sabha

‘How Does It Matter?’ Sitharaman Rebukes TMC MP For Objecting To Her Hindi Speech In Lok Sabha

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hit out at Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy for objecting to her speaking in Hindi during the debate on the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Roy, while speaking on the Bill, said he had struggled to follow Sitharaman's earlier remarks because she spoke in Hindi. “Nirmala ji also spoke in Hindi. I could not follow what she said because we are Bengalis; we don't follow so much Hindi," he said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Lok Sabha Chair Jagdambika Pal promptly intervened, reminding Roy that parliamentary proceedings are accessible in multiple languages through real-time translation. “It is already on the Parliament app; you can go through it," he noted.

Roy responded, “We are Bengalis, and we will remain Bengalis," prompting Pal to caution him: “You are Bengali, but you cannot speak of Hindi in this manner."

Intervening in the debate, Sitharaman strongly objected to Roy's comment. “I may speak in Hindi, I may speak in Tamil, I may speak in Telugu, I may speak in English. How does it matter to the honourable member?" she questioned.

Emphasising that translation technology enables MPs to understand speeches delivered in any language, she added, “Because of the arrangements made by the Speaker, he can get a translation in any language he desires. And what is this… I spoke in Hindi, so he can't understand?"

The minister alleged that Roy was attempting to deflect attention from the legislation itself. “He has not read the Bill thoroughly, and because he wants to divert from the topic, he is bringing all these things. I take objection, and it should be on record," she said.

Introducing the Bill, Sitharaman said it aims to create a “dedicated and predictable resource stream" for two areas of critical national importance — health and national security.

(With inputs from agencies)

Source: News18
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