Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the media before the start of the budget session of Parliament, expressed pride in forming the government for a third consecutive term. However, the subsequent parliamentary meetings were marked by heated exchanges as opposition leaders raised pointed questions regarding various issues, met with a consistent response from the Modi government: "I don't know."
The Congress party leader and Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, led the charge with pointed inquiries, targeting the government's handling of crucial matters. The responses from the respective ministers, however, were a monotonous refrain of "I don't know," sparking frustration among the opposition.
Some of the key questions raised, along with the government's responses, included:
NEET Exam Paper Leak: With 23 lakh students' futures at stake, the question of the leaked exam paper and the government's response was met with the response, "I don't know where it leaked. Unidentifiable. We are in the process of identifying those responsible."
Train Accidents: The question of rising train accidents in the country was met with a simple, "I don't know."
Corona Deaths: The government was questioned about the reported 11 lakh deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, to which the reply was, "Nothing is known. If you have any information please give it."
Ram Temple Water Infiltration: Regarding rainwater entering the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the response was, "I don't know. If you have any information please give it."
UPSC Exam and Chairman's Resignation: The repeated attempts by Pooja Khedkar to clear the UPSC exam and the resignation of the UPSC Chairman were met with the same response, "I don't know."
Bihar's Financial Assistance Request: The Bihar government's request for 30,000 crore in financial assistance also received a "I don't know" response.
Special Status for AP and Bihar: The meaning of "special status" and its implications for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar were met with, "Nothing is known."
This consistent "I don't know" response fueled frustration within the opposition, with Rahul Gandhi expressing his disappointment. However, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responded with a sarcastic, "Yes.. we are conscious. You are worried. That's why this question was asked," further escalating the tensions within the Parliament.