Parliament Deadlock – Rijiju Defends Amit Shah Amid Opposition’s Protest
Parliament Deadlock –The political confrontation in Parliament continued into the fourth week of the Monsoon Session, with the Opposition maintaining pressure over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s absence from proceedings. The protests in both Houses have centred on the demand that Shah personally respond to concerns raised over the alleged police action against students during recent demonstrations.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday strongly defended the government’s position, arguing that the Opposition could not decide which minister should respond to a particular matter. He also took a sharp swipe at the protesters, saying Amit Shah’s name itself makes terrorists nervous and suggesting that the Opposition would find it difficult to accept the Home Minister’s response when he addresses the House.
Government Says Minister’s Presence Is Not Decided by Opposition
Rijiju said the government and the Chair determine which minister will respond to parliamentary business. He pointed out that the minister responsible for a listed item is generally expected to participate in the proceedings, but maintained that the Opposition cannot dictate who appears in the House.
His remarks came amid repeated disruptions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Opposition MPs have continued demanding Shah’s intervention and a response to allegations concerning the handling of student protests.
The government is also expected to take up the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, or FCRA, with Shah likely to respond to the debate on the legislation next week.
Kharge Challenges Government’s Position
In the Rajya Sabha, Congress president and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge disputed Rijiju’s account of the situation. Kharge claimed that Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan had issued a direction concerning Shah’s participation in the House.
Rijiju rejected the assertion and accused the Opposition of presenting an incorrect picture of what had happened. He said no formal direction had been issued by the Chair requiring the Home Minister to appear and respond.
The dispute followed Thursday’s proceedings, when Radhakrishnan had asked Rijiju to convey the Opposition’s concerns to the Home Minister as members continued pressing for Shah to address the issue.
Rijiju Says Shah Has Been Present in Parliament
Rijiju further argued that the Home Minister has been available within the Parliament complex throughout the day, even though he has not been present in the House during the exchanges demanded by the Opposition.
He said Shah remains in Parliament from the beginning of the day until the proceedings conclude and questioned the Opposition’s claim that the Home Minister was avoiding Parliament. Rijiju also noted that some Opposition members leave the premises after the morning proceedings, while, according to him, Shah remains there for the rest of the day.
The minister maintained that the Chair had not instructed any particular minister to attend the House in response to the Opposition’s demand.
Venugopal Criticises Rijiju’s Defence
Congress MP K C Venugopal hit back at Rijiju’s remarks, arguing that the minister’s explanation did not address the Opposition’s central demand. Venugopal pointed to the discussion on the examination-related bill and said Shah could have participated in that debate.
The continuing disagreement has added to the disruptions in the Monsoon Session, with the Opposition seeking direct answers from the Home Minister while the government maintains that parliamentary procedure does not allow members to determine which minister must respond.
As the session moves forward, the expected discussion on the FCRA amendments could provide another opportunity for Shah to address the House and respond to issues raised by members.