Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday hit back at the Opposition over repeated claims that he was “missing” from Parliament, saying he had been attending the ongoing Monsoon Session but had stayed in his chamber as proceedings were repeatedly disrupted.
Shah also challenged the Opposition to decide who was actually avoiding a parliamentary debate, insisting that the government was ready to discuss the student protests and answer questions raised by MPs.
‘Laapata, Bhaag Gaye’ Remark Triggers Fresh Face-Off
Responding to allegations that he had been absent from Parliament, Shah said the words being used against him were a recent feature of political discourse.
“words like ‘laapata’, ‘bhaag gaye’ are terms that have only recently begun to be heard in India’s public and parliamentary discourse,” Shah said.
He maintained that he had been coming to Parliament regularly since the session began and had been available in his chamber.
“Ever since the Parliament session began, I have been coming regularly and sitting in my chamber,” Shah said.
According to the Home Minister, repeated disruptions by the Opposition had made it difficult for him to enter the House and participate in proceedings.
“But the Opposition is not allowing Parliament to function in either House. So, what is the point of anyone going inside when the proceedings are not being allowed to run?” he said.
Shah Puts Debate Offer On Table
Shah said the government was prepared to hold a detailed discussion on the issues raised by the Opposition, including the protests involving students and allegations of police action against demonstrators.
He asked Opposition parties to submit a written notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying a discussion could then be taken up and continue for an extended period.
The Home Minister said he was also ready to answer questions directly in Parliament.
“It was the opposition’s demand. We agreed to it… From my side, I conveyed that I am also ready for any questions in Parliament. But they do not want to allow any discussion. Now people should decide who is running away,” Shah said.
Rahul Gandhi Rejects Shah’s Offer
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, however, rejected Shah’s proposal and said the Opposition wanted answers rather than what he described as a lecture.
Gandhi questioned the circumstances surrounding the police action against protesting students and sought accountability over allegations of firing and the use of force.
He alleged that the Home Ministry was responsible for the actions of the Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force, which fall under its administrative control.
“Who shot those students, who gave the order to shoot those students, who blinded one of the students, who shot one of the students in the ear, who gave the order to beat the students with lathis and nails, who gave that order, that order was implemented by the home ministry,” Gandhi said.
‘Who Is Running Away?’ Political Battle Escalates
Gandhi further argued that Shah should resign if he had ordered the alleged action against protesters, while also questioning his responsibility if he had not.
He accused the Home Minister of staying away from Parliament and the student protests for nearly three weeks and described the latest offer for a debate as an attempt to repair his public image.
The confrontation has added another layer to the continuing Parliament standoff, with the government insisting that it is ready for a discussion while the Opposition continues to demand accountability over the treatment of student protesters.
