New Delhi [India], September 1 (ANI): Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday emphasised the responsibility entrusted to public representatives to ensure the functioning of Parliament and state assemblies.

While addressing a gathering here, Rijiju cautioned that if the Indian Parliament or state assemblies fail in their workings, it may create conditions similar to those witnessed in neighbouring countries, such as Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

'We are the biggest democracy and thus, we have a responsibility. If our Parliament or assembly fails, you have seen the condition of neighbouring nations, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The military has taken over there. However, we can't have that, or else people will come to the roads,' Rijiju said.

The Union Minister further refuted the claims made by a few opposition MPs over a week ago, during the recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament, that he had attacked them.

Rijiju said that he had only intervened when the opposition MPs tore the copies of three key bills that sought to remove the Prime Minister or Chief Ministers facing allegations of corruption or other serious offences.

'Just two weeks ago in Lok Sabha, when we were pushing the Constitution Amendment Bill, the opposition came forward, snatched papers, and even tore them. I intervened and said, 'You may oppose, but don't destroy anything.' Later, those MPs went outside and claimed that I had attacked them. As a Parliamentary Affairs Minister, I cannot get into fights with every MP because we have to work together,' the Union Minister said.

Rijiju attended the 98th birth anniversary celebration of Late Charti Lal Goel, who was the first Speaker of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, where he said, 'Becoming the Speaker of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha in itself is a big achievement. When the Vidhan Sabha was re-established in 1993, the one who was made its Speaker at that time reflects the significance of his persona.'

Remembering his official meeting with CJI right after his appointment as the Union Law Minister, Rijiju said, 'When I became the Law Minister and had my first official meeting with the CJI, he asked me, 'Did you contest elections right after finishing college and directly became a minister?' I told him not to go by his appearance. I have contested elections seven times.'

'We always learn from our senior leaders. Times change, and we must adapt ourselves accordingly,' he added. (ANI)