Mumbai, August 14: Sanjay Nirupam, spokesperson for Shiv Sena, criticized the opposition for missing opportunities to address pressing issues, including student protests, parliamentary disruptions, and the alleged ties of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) to recent events. He accused Congress and the opposition of double standards, urging them to focus equally on the problems faced by students protesting across various states.
Nirupam raised concerns about the ongoing student movement in Jharkhand, questioning the opposition’s role in addressing these protests. He noted that while Congress and the opposition frequently challenge the central government on student issues and paper leaks, they fail to adequately address the concerns of students in Jharkhand, where they hold power.
He highlighted that students in Jharkhand have been protesting on the streets and conducting hunger strikes for several weeks. Instead of engaging in dialogue, authorities have resorted to using batons and tear gas against them. Nirupam emphasized that all students, regardless of their background, deserve equal attention for their issues. He pointed out that the protests at Jantar Mantar receive more attention because they can be leveraged politically against the central government. He insisted that the grievances of poor, tribal, backward, and general category students in Jharkhand should be treated with equal seriousness.
Nirupam also addressed the alleged controversies surrounding competitive exams and government recruitment in Jharkhand. He stated that if students are raising concerns about irregularities in exams and nepotism in government jobs, the government should engage with them to address their questions. He supported the students’ demand for a CBI inquiry and action against officials associated with the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). He urged Congress to take these issues seriously and work directly with students in Jharkhand to find solutions.
Regarding the UN Security Council’s report linking AQIS to the bombings near Delhi’s Red Fort in November 2025, Nirupam responded by stating that the report identifies AQIS as the Indian branch of Al-Qaeda. He described this as an example of the evolving nature of terrorism, warning that individuals involved in such activities may appear as ordinary professionals. He called on the central government to take stringent action against AQIS and thoroughly investigate its network to eliminate threats to national security.
Nirupam criticized the continuous disruptions in Parliament, stating that these sessions are critical for the opposition and all MPs to question the government and raise public issues. He asserted that while the opposition has the right to critique government policies, ongoing disruptions ultimately harm the country and its citizens. He noted that the number of working days in Parliament has decreased, and the available time should be used for debate rather than chaos.
He accused the opposition of previously stating that Parliament would not function until the Home Minister addressed the house. However, when the Home Minister expressed willingness to respond, the opposition shifted to demanding his resignation. Nirupam labeled this behavior as irresponsible, highlighting that the opposition missed a significant opportunity to present public concerns and hold the government accountable.
On the issue of Marathi language regulations for auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra, Nirupam stated that Shiv Sena has taken a clear stance. The Maharashtra government implemented an order on May 1, requiring drivers to communicate in Marathi. The government has provided time for non-Marathi speakers to learn the language and organized training camps for this purpose.
He claimed that many auto drivers participated in these camps, with approximately 135,000 receiving training in conversational Marathi and certification. With the deadline of August 15 approaching, the Maharashtra government has indicated that drivers who cannot communicate in Marathi may face action against their permits and licenses.
Nirupam further urged Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to consider extending the campaign for those who have not yet learned the language, rather than immediately revoking their permits or licenses. He suggested assessing how many drivers have successfully learned Marathi before taking such actions.
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