New Delhi, August 13: Tensions escalated between the ruling party and the main opposition, Congress, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The opposition reiterated its demand for Home Minister Amit Shah to address pressing issues such as NEET, police action against students, electoral funding, and the FCRA bill.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the Home Minister‘s absence, stating, “He came here, but where was he in the House?” She also expressed objections to sending the FCRA bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, insisting, “Our stance is that this bill should be withdrawn.”
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari emphasized that the House operates under its rules and the Constitution of India. He pointed out that discussions had already taken place for two days on the matter. “If he wants to add something, he should present his statement,” he said. Tiwari also mentioned that his notice regarding the theft of donations and contributions is still pending under Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi stated, “Everyone has expressed their views at Jantar Mantar and during protests, and now only the Home Minister remains. He should come and provide a statement, as he can clarify who issued the orders for the use of pellet guns and tear gas.”
MP Praniti Shinde reiterated the opposition’s clear stance, stating, “We have consistently raised our concerns through press conferences and statements. We want to know why pellet guns, tear gas, and batons were used.”
Ashok Singh remarked that the opposition has been persistently voicing its demands since the session began. He criticized the government for attempting to mislead the public instead of addressing these issues.
Punjab Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa raised concerns about the police action against students, calling it unfortunate. “It is regrettable to see the use of force against our future while unrest spreads across the country,” he said.
Congress MP Pawan Khera insisted that discussions should not be limited to a single issue. “We have repeatedly stated that the Home Minister must come to the House. The discussion should not only revolve around NEET but also address electoral funding irregularities and violence against students,” he added.
Khera further urged, “He should come to the House. Who are the advisors? Discussions should take place here. We have been saying this for the past 18 days. He needs to come, answer questions, and respond to allegations of theft.”
Kerala Congress MP Hibi Eden labeled the FCRA bill as anti-minority, stating, “This is a planned attack on the country’s minorities. Organizations like ‘Missionaries of Charity,’ founded by Mother Teresa, are under threat. This bill clearly shows how the Indian government is attacking minorities.”
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla noted that discussions could have included the NEET issue, but the Home Minister did not attend. “That is the problem,” he said.
MP Imran Pratapgarhi remarked, “The country understands that the government lacks the courage to face opposition questions. Rahul Gandhi’s initial letter should have prompted the Home Minister to respond, but now, with the session’s last day approaching, the government’s response seems like a weak attempt at damage control.”
Kerala Congress MP JB Mathur expressed disappointment, stating, “It is disheartening that this government disregards the opposition’s voice and demands. We have been calling for the Home Minister to address Parliament since the first day of the session, but he is nowhere to be seen. He neither appears in the Lok Sabha nor the Rajya Sabha, yet speaks about democracy and democratic values while our democracy is derailing.”
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