Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday renewed the Opposition’s demand for Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make a statement in the House on the police action during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar, saying the Opposition was ready for a discussion on the issue.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge criticised Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju over his earlier remarks, referred to former Union Minister Arun Jaitley’s observations on parliamentary disruptions and alleged that the government was trying to avoid a discussion.
Responding to Kharge, Rijiju said the Leader of the Opposition had not cited any rule while making the demand and could not dictate the proceedings of the House or decide which minister should respond on behalf of the government.
“The Leader of the Opposition did not cite any rule. He cannot dictate the Chair. It is the collective responsibility of the government. Congress should also give an opportunity to new members,” Rijiju said.
Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan then asked the Parliamentary Affairs Minister to convey the sentiments expressed by the Opposition to the Home Minister.
The exchange came amid continued protests by Opposition parties, which have been demanding a statement from Amit Shah and a discussion on the alleged police action against protesters during the July 20 demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
Earlier in the day, Opposition MPs staged a protest in the Parliament complex, holding placards reading, “Amit Shah jawab do” (Amit Shah, give an answer), as they continued to press the government over the issue during the Monsoon Session.
