: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday put forward a fresh proposal to end the continuing standoff in Parliament, offering the Opposition a full day for a discussion on the ongoing controversy surrounding student protests.
Shah said he was ready to remain in the House from 3 pm on Wednesday until 3 pm on Thursday and respond to every issue raised by the Opposition.
The Home Minister asked Opposition parties to submit a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker by 2 pm, saying a discussion could begin at 3 pm if the request was accepted.
Amit Shah Offers Overnight Parliament Debate
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Shah said the issue should be discussed through established parliamentary procedures rather than through a brief statement.“There are established rules and procedures for parliamentary discussions. Such a serious issue cannot be discussed simply through a statement. In Parliament, discussions are held at length,”
Shah also indicated that he was prepared to sit through the night if required. He said he would personally remain present during the debate and respond to the points raised by Opposition MPs.“I am ready for the discussion to go on until 3 PM tomorrow. I will sit through it myself, take notes on everything, and respond to every point,”
The Home Minister said a detailed debate would allow the government to put its position before the public and establish the facts surrounding the controversy.
He also challenged the Opposition to choose between participating in a discussion and continuing protests inside Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi Rejects Shah’s Offer, Demands Answers
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi responded sharply to Shah’s proposal, saying the Opposition did not want a lecture from the Home Minister.
Gandhi said the Opposition wanted specific answers over the alleged police action against protesting students.“The Opposition has clearly said that we are not interested in Amit Shah giving us a lecture,”
The Congress leader said he was raising concerns on behalf of the country’s younger generation and questioned who authorised the alleged use of force against students.
Rahul Gandhi Questions Who Ordered Police Action
Gandhi raised questions over allegations of firing and the use of lathis fitted with nails during the protests.
He asked whether Amit Shah had personally ordered the action and argued that the Home Minister should resign if he was responsible.
Gandhi also accused Shah of remaining absent from Parliament during the controversy.“For the last 20 days, Amit Shah has been missing,”
The exchange between the Home Minister and the Leader of Opposition comes as Parliament remains caught in a prolonged confrontation between the ruling alliance and the Opposition.
While Shah has now offered an extended debate to address the allegations, Rahul Gandhi’s response indicates that the Opposition continues to seek direct answers over the police action before agreeing to the government’s proposed format.
The next move now rests with the Opposition, which has been asked to submit its request to the Speaker by 2 pm for a possible discussion beginning at 3 pm.
