Lok Sabha Session: Ahead of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha on Monday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh got engaged in a war of words. The Lok Sabha is likely to witness a stormy session where the opposition bloc, I.N.D.I.A led by the Congress, is expected to corner the government over the NEET row and the appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker.

In a post on X, Rijiju sought the cooperation of newly-elected MPs of the Opposition to ensure the Parliament session ran smoothly. Reacting to the Union Minister’s post, Ramesh asked the minister to “walk the talk”. Rijiju responded to Ramesh, saying that he could be a valuable asset if he contributed to the House.

In response to Rijiju, the Congress leader referred to the grading system of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is facing heat over the conduct of the NEET examination. 

The exchange between Rijiju and Ramesh began after the BJP leader said that he would always be available to assist the members and looked forward to coordination from the I.N.D.I.A bloc.

“The First Session of 18th  Lok Sabha begins today,  the 24th June, 2024. I welcome all the new elected hon’ble members. I shall be always available to assist the members as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.  I’m positively looking forward for co-ordination to run the house,” Rijiju said.

The First Session of 18th Lok Sabha begins today, the 24th June, 2024. I welcome all the new elected hon’ble members. I shall be always available to assist the members as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. I’m positively looking forward for co-ordination to run the house. pic.twitter.com/kS3qdeO32O

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 24, 2024

Reacting to Rijiju’s post on X, Ramesh said, “Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the Talk”.

Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the Talk https://t.co/DrsuYAXf3p

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 24, 2024

In response, the BJP leader called Ramesh an “intelligent member” and said he would be a “valuable asset” to the lower house if he contributed positively during the new Parliament session. 

Absolutely @Jairam_Ramesh Ji. You are an intelligent member and you will be a valuable asset to the house if you contribute positively. Differences will remain amongst political parties in Parliamentary Democracy but we are united in our service to the nation. Looking forward to…

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 24, 2024

The exchange of words did not stop here as Ramesh hit back at Rijiju and took a dig at him. “Thanks Mr Minister. I hope your certificate of my intelligence is not like the NTA grading. Is it with grace marks?,” the Congress leader said.

Thanks Mr. Minister. I hope your certificate of my intelligence is not like the NTA grading. Is it with grace marks? https://t.co/dOe7NLVGkW

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 24, 2024