Govt open to full Parliament debate on police action during protests: Rijiju

NEW DELHI: The government is prepared to hold a comprehensive discussion in Parliament on every issue related to student protests, including the police action taken in Delhi and Bihar, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Monday. The statement comes amid demands from the Opposition that Home Minister Amit Shah appear in the House and explain the use of pellet guns in Delhi and AK-47 rifles in Bihar during demonstrations over examination irregularities.

Rijiju, however, urged the Opposition not to disrupt the proceedings during the discussion. He said the government's offer is clear: a full and detailed debate on the students' movement and all matters connected to it. “My only point made to the Opposition, including Congress, is that while the discussion and a reply are being made, the Opposition should not create disturbances to prevent the statement of the Home Minister. They must listen to the reply of the Home Minister and the government,” Rijiju told reporters.

The Opposition has been insisting that Home Minister Amit Shah come to Parliament and respond to the allegations regarding the treatment of students protesting against alleged paper leaks and irregularities in recruitment examinations. Reports have highlighted the use of force, including pellet guns in the national capital and AK-47 rifles in Bihar, to disperse protesters. These incidents have sparked concerns about the use of excessive force against unarmed students.

The government's willingness to discuss the matter in Parliament is seen as an attempt to defuse the standoff between the ruling dispensation and the Opposition. The discussion is expected to cover not only the police action but also the broader issues surrounding the student protests, including the reasons behind the demonstrations and the steps taken to address the grievances of the students.

Political observers note that the government's offer could pave the way for a structured debate in both Houses, provided both sides agree to maintain decorum. The Opposition has been demanding a statement from the Home Minister, and the government's response appears to be an acceptance of that demand, albeit with the condition that the debate proceeds without disruption.

Earlier, several opposition parties had raised the issue in Parliament, leading to adjournments and sloganeering. The latest development indicates a possible thaw, with the government signalling its readiness to engage on the matter. The specifics of the police action, including the use of force and the circumstances that led to it, are expected to be scrutinised during the debate.

The student protests have drawn attention to the challenges faced by young aspirants in competitive examinations, including allegations of paper leaks and mismanagement. The government has maintained that action was taken to maintain law and order, but critics argue that the response was disproportionate. The forthcoming discussion in Parliament is likely to provide a platform for a detailed examination of these issues.

As the House prepares for the debate, all eyes will be on whether the Opposition and the government can agree on a constructive dialogue. The coming days will reveal if the offer leads to a substantive discussion or further political confrontation.