New Delhi: A fresh political confrontation unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Friday after Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement in the House on the issue being raised by the Opposition. The demand led to heated exchanges between the treasury and Opposition benches, disrupting proceedings.
Kharge argued that the matter was of national importance and said the Home Minister should personally respond to the concerns raised by Opposition members. He maintained that a statement from Amit Shah was necessary to clarify the government's position and answer questions being raised in Parliament.
Responding to the demand, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the Opposition's insistence, stating that it was the government's prerogative to decide which minister would reply in the House. He said the Opposition could not dictate who should represent the government during parliamentary proceedings.
Rijiju asserted that the government follows established parliamentary conventions and that the appropriate minister is nominated based on the subject under discussion. He accused the Opposition of attempting to create unnecessary disruptions by insisting on the presence of a particular minister.
The disagreement triggered protests from Opposition MPs, who continued to press for Amit Shah's appearance in the Rajya Sabha. Members raised slogans and demanded a direct response from the Home Minister, while treasury bench members defended the government's stand.
The Chair repeatedly appealed to members to maintain order and allow the House to function. However, the continued protests led to disruptions, forcing the proceedings to be adjourned for a period.
The exchange reflects the growing tensions between the government and the Opposition during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, where several contentious issues have led to repeated interruptions in both Houses. Parliamentary business has frequently been affected as the Opposition seeks discussions and statements from senior ministers on matters it considers to be of public importance.
The government, meanwhile, has maintained that parliamentary procedures allow it to decide which minister will respond to debates and questions, and has urged the Opposition to cooperate for the smooth functioning of the House. The issue is expected to remain a point of contention as the session continues.
