Parliament – Rajya Sabha Witnesses Heated Exchange Over Delhi Police Action at CPI(M) Office
Parliament –Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda on Wednesday defended the Delhi Police over its visit to the CPI(M) office to arrest party leader Aishe Ghosh in connection with the 2021 Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) protest case. He described the police action as a routine legal procedure carried out within the framework of the law and rejected allegations of any irregularity.
Government Defends Police Action
Addressing concerns raised by Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha, Nadda said the Delhi Police had acted according to established legal procedures. He asserted that law enforcement agencies were performing their duties and that such actions should not be viewed as extraordinary. According to him, individuals involved in student activism should understand that legal processes may sometimes become part of public life.
Nadda Recalls His Student Activism
Drawing from his own political journey, Nadda referred to the period of the Emergency imposed during the Congress government. He said he had been detained and imprisoned while participating in student activism at that time. Recalling those events, he remarked that facing legal challenges was not uncommon for those actively engaged in student movements and public causes.
Opposition Demands Home Minister’s Statement
The issue triggered repeated protests from Opposition members inside the Upper House. Members raised slogans and insisted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should personally address the House regarding the alleged police action involving student leaders. They also questioned the conduct of the Delhi Police and sought an official clarification from the government.
CPI(M) Raises the Matter in Rajya Sabha
The controversy was first brought before the House by CPI(M) MP John Brittas shortly after official papers were tabled. He alleged that a team of Delhi Police personnel, dressed in plain clothes, entered the CPI(M) office with the intention of arresting Aishe Ghosh. The allegation prompted immediate protests from Opposition benches and intensified the debate during the session.
Kharge Criticises the Incident
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge supported the concerns raised by CPI(M) members and strongly criticised the reported police action. He claimed that the incident reflected growing concerns about the functioning of democratic institutions and questioned the manner in which the police carried out the operation. His remarks added to the sharp exchange between the treasury and Opposition benches.
Questions Raised Over Amit Shah’s Absence
The Opposition also expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the discussion. During Question Hour, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury questioned why the Home Minister was not present in the House despite the seriousness of the issue. Several Opposition leaders echoed the demand, urging the government to ensure that the Home Minister responded directly to the allegations.
The developments led to repeated interruptions in the Rajya Sabha, with both the government and the Opposition firmly defending their respective positions. While the ruling side maintained that the police had acted strictly in accordance with the law, Opposition parties continued to press for greater accountability and a formal response from the Home Minister regarding the incident linked to the 2021 JNU protest case.