‘Echo Oppn’s sentiments to Amit Shah’: Rajya Sabha chairman to Rijiju amid ruckus over student protest crackdown
Chairman’s Directive to Rijiju Amid Student Protest Disruptions
Bharatmorningnews.com – During Thursday’s proceedings, Rajya Sabha chairman CP Radhakrishnan issued an uncommon observation to Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju. He instructed Rijiju to “echo the sentiments of the Opposition” when communicating with Union home minister Amit Shah. This intervention occurred as opposition members intensified their demands for Shah’s appearance in the House, citing violence during sprawling student demonstrations in Delhi the previous month.
Monsoon Session Disruptions
The ongoing monsoon session has experienced significant disruptions over the past fortnight. Opposition parties have consistently called for a formal statement from Shah regarding allegations of police excesses and the deployment of pellet guns during the July 20 protest. That demonstration sought the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
When the Upper House reconvened at midday on Thursday, Congress chief and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the proceedings. He emphasized their collective request for both the home minister and the Prime Minister to attend the House and deliver a statement.
We are asking the home minister and the Prime Minister to come to the House. We request the chair to direct the home minister to come and give a statement. We are ready to discuss it.
Kharge additionally referenced the late finance minister Arun Jaitley’s perspective that disruptions constitute an inherent element of parliamentary democracy. He noted that while genuine questions are posed, government representatives often evade engagement.
Chairman’s Intervention
Responding to Kharge’s appeal, Radhakrishnan directed Rijiju to convey the Opposition’s position to Shah. The chairman clarified that this represents a conventional parliamentary practice where the top office signals to ministers or members. While not legally binding, such signals typically influence ministerial behavior based on the broader sense of the House.
Now I request you to consider his [Kharge’s] request. He requested the home minister to come to the House…As parliamentary affairs minister, you can echo the sentiments of the Opposition to the HM.
The chairman further indicated that the final decision regarding Shah’s response rests with the home minister himself.
Upcoming Legislative Business
Shah is anticipated to address the debate on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma, following a meeting with Shah in Delhi, suggested the bill might be considered on August 12.
Zero Hour Exchange
Before the chairman’s directive, Rijiju and Kharge engaged in a pointed discussion during Zero Hour. Rijiju invoked Rules 235(2) and 240 to highlight what he characterized as Opposition-driven disruptions.
Rule 235(2) prevents members from interrupting speakers currently addressing the House. Rijiju claimed the Opposition was obstructing speakers during Zero Hour. Rule 240 addresses irrelevance or repetition in debates, which Rijiju applied to Kharge’s recurring allegations regarding police conduct during the July 20 incident.
Every day Kharge ji reads out the same thing, Kharge ji says the same thing, this Rule applies to our Leader of the Opposition.
Rijiju further criticized opposition members for raising slogans outside rather than allowing the House to function. He noted that despite Congress and allied parties staging walkouts, bills continue to pass through thorough discussion with many MPs participating. He argued that Congress, particularly its newly elected members, ultimately loses out by missing speaking opportunities.
The country is moving forward, yet they keep raising the same slogans day after day. Regarding students, the Prime Minister has taken such a revolutionary decision and has done so much to address the problem of exam leaks.
Kharge responded firmly to Rijiju’s intervention, asserting his parliamentary rights regarding when, how, and what to speak.
If I don’t read the rules, if I don’t read my matter, should I read what you (Rijiju) give? It’s my right- what to speak, when to speak, how to speak.
Following the chairman’s message, Kharge held a press conference emphasizing that the request for Shah’s presence was straightforward and within governmental control. He questioned why the home minister remained absent despite the clear directive from the Rajya Sabha chairman to the parliamentary affairs minister.
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