3 weeks ago
Parliament deadlock continues as opposition demands Amit Shah statement
On July 20, police took action against students who were protesting at Jantar Mantar in India.
Opposition leaders think the police used too much force.
They are led by Mallikarjun Kharge, who is the president of the Congress party.
They want Home Minister Amit Shah to come to Parliament and explain what happened.
They also want an independent inquiry into the police action.
The chairman of the Rajya Sabha, CP Radhakrishnan, asked the government to consider the opposition's request.
But Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the chairman only made an observation, not a direction.
He said the opposition cannot decide which minister should speak for the government.
The two sides could not agree, so Parliament was paused until Monday.
Some opposition MPs held signs that said 'Amit Shah, give an answer.'
Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan asked the Centre to 'consider the request' for Home Minister Amit Shah's presence, telling Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to echo the Opposition's sentiments to the Home Minister.
Congress President and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded a statement from Amit Shah on police action during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar and claimed the Chair had issued a direction to the Home Minister.
Kiren Rijiju refuted Kharge's claim, saying there was 'no direction, just observation,' and asserted the Leader of the Opposition cannot dictate the House or decide which minister should respond.
Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned till Monday amid sloganeering, with the Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day during the Question Hour on Friday.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion notice, the Opposition sought an independent inquiry, and MPs protested with placards reading 'Amit Shah jawab do' (Amit Shah, give an answer).
- Who
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Congress MP Manickam Tagore.
- What
- The Opposition demanded that Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement on the police action during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar; the Rajya Sabha chairman urged the Centre to consider the request, Rijiju said there was no direction, and both Houses were adjourned till Monday.
- Where
- The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in Parliament premises; the protest was at Jantar Mantar.
- When
- Thursday, 6 August and Friday, 7 August, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament; the protest took place on July 20.
- Why
- The Opposition alleged excessive force was used against protesting students and has been seeking an independent inquiry into the incident.
Opposition (Congress-led)
Government (Union)
Home Minister's presence in Parliament
Opposition (Congress-led)
The Home Minister must come to the House and deliver a statement on the police action; Kharge claimed the Chairman had directed Amit Shah to appear, and the treasury benches are insulting the House by not respecting the Chair's word.
Government (Union)
There was 'no direction, just observation' from the Chair; the Leader of the Opposition cited no rule and cannot dictate which minister responds, as it is the collective responsibility of the government and the Home Minister is in Parliament daily.
Police action against protesters
Opposition (Congress-led)
Excessive force was used against protesting students on July 20 and an independent inquiry should be conducted; the government is trying to avoid a discussion.
Government (Union)
The government has not agreed to a statement or inquiry, called the Opposition's demands procedurally improper, and said ministers are present in the House while the Opposition disturbs proceedings.
Conduct of the House
Opposition (Congress-led)
The government is avoiding accountability and not respecting the Chair, while Opposition MPs are only seeking answers on the incident.
Government (Union)
The Opposition is misleading the House and disturbing its business; Rijiju said 'terrorists tremble' at Amit Shah's name and that the Opposition leaves after 11 am while the Home Minister stays all day.
Key facts
- Date of proceedings
- Thursday, 6 August and Friday, 7 August
- Adjournment status
- Both Houses of Parliament adjourned till Monday
- Protest date
- July 20
- Protest location
- Jantar Mantar
- Home Minister
- Amit Shah
- Rajya Sabha Chairman
- CP Radhakrishnan
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister
- Kiren Rijiju
- Opposition demands
- Statement from Amit Shah and an independent inquiry into the police action
Quotes
CP Radhakrishnan
Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Indian Parliament
“I request you to consider the request for the Home Minister to come to the House; as Parliamentary Affairs Minister, you can echo the sentiments of the Opposition to the Home Minister”
livemint.com
“"There has been no direction issued for any minister to come to the House. You leave after 11 am, but the Home Minister stays."”
livemint.com
Sources
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