Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned amid Opposition demand for Amit Shah’s statement

The continued absence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah from the House and the Opposition’s persistent demand for his presence and statement on the alleged police excess on protesters on July 20 in New Delhi has turned out to be a major flash point between the government and the Opposition, which once again led to both Houses getting adjourned on Tuesday (August 11) soon after convening for the day. The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha got adjourned till 2 pm.

What the Speaker said

Amid ruckus, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged the Opposition and the Treasury benches to evolve consensus on running the House, stating that the Centre has agreed to the Opposition's demand for a discussion on education and a statement by Amit Shah, and it was now up to the Opposition to accept and let the House function.

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Birla said he was anguished that the House had not been able to function and the Question Hour, wherein members hold the government accountable, could not take place.

House Adjourned Again

Parallel protests by Opposition and NDA MPs unfolded outside Makar Dwar in Parliament as the deadlock over the student protest issue continued to disrupt the monsoon session.

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Opposition MPs renewed their demand for a statement from Shah on the alleged police action against protesters at Jantar Mantar on July 20. NDA MPs responded with a counter-protest, accusing Congress and other Opposition parties of remaining silent on the reported police crackdown against students in Jharkhand.

Members from both sides exchanged slogans during the demonstrations, while BJP MPs carried placards seeking answers from Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over the developments in Jharkhand.

War of Slogans

Addressing reporters, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said, "Amit Shah ji will give the answer. Rahul Gandhi, don't run. Rahul Gandhi, shame on you. Give an answer on the brutality against students in Jharkhand,” reported ANI.

Union Minister Anupriya Patel accused Opposition parties of blocking Parliament despite the government's willingness to hold a discussion. She said Shah was prepared to speak in the House and alleged that the Opposition's objective was to create disruptions.

The protest came a day after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Home Minister was ready to address Parliament if proceedings were allowed to function normally. While the government has pressed for a discussion, Opposition parties have continued to seek accountability over the alleged police action.

The monsoon session began on July 20 and is scheduled to conclude on August 13.

(With agency inputs)