Parliament Impasse: BJP Says Amit Shah Ready to Answer, But Only If House Functions
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday countered opposition allegations that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been avoiding Parliament, asserting that he is present in his office throughout the day and willing to engage in debate — but only if the Opposition allows the legislature to function.
Speaking to reporters, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad responded to repeated attacks by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have questioned Shah's absence from both Houses and demanded a discussion on two separate issues: the alleged theft of donations collected for the Ram temple, and Shah's comments regarding Delhi Police action against student protesters.
“Shah is present at his office in the Parliament House all day. But you will not allow Parliament to run... He can attend only when you allow it to function,” Prasad said, directly addressing the Leaders of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The remark underscores the continuing deadlock in Parliament, where opposition parties have repeatedly staged protests over a range of issues, disrupting proceedings. The Congress, led by Gandhi and Kharge, has specifically targeted Shah, accusing him of evading accountability by staying away from parliamentary debates.
In recent weeks, Gandhi and Kharge have both raised questions about the home minister's absence, framing it as an attempt to avoid scrutiny. They have also called for a thorough investigation into the reported disappearance of funds donated for the Ram temple construction in Ayodhya, as well as a debate on the police action during protests at Jamia Millia Islamia and other universities in December 2019.
The BJP, however, maintains that the Opposition's persistent disruption is itself the reason why the House cannot conduct business. By insisting that Shah will respond “emphatically” once proceedings resume, the ruling party has sought to turn the spotlight back on the opposition's tactics.
Prasad's comments came a day after both Houses were adjourned amidst sloganeering by opposition members. Sources said the government is willing to discuss several issues, including those raised by the Congress, but only in a orderly manner and within the rules of parliamentary procedure.
The Ram temple donation controversy relates to reports that a portion of the funds collected through public contributions for the temple's construction was misappropriated. The Congress has sought a full-fledged debate and a statement from the home minister, who oversees the Ministry of Home Affairs. Similarly, the BJP has been pressed to clarify Shah's earlier remarks about the Delhi Police's handling of the anti-CAA protests, which drew widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil liberties groups.
Political observers note that the standoff is part of a broader pattern of parliamentary dysfunction in recent years. Since the 2014 general election, the opposition has often used protests to pressurise the government, while the ruling party has accused it of not respecting the mandate of the people.
Neither side appears ready to yield, raising concerns about pending legislative business. The winter session, which began on December 2, has been largely washed out due to repeated disruptions. Key bills, including those related to data protection and electoral reforms, remain pending.
As the impasse continues, the question of accountability — both for the home minister's absence and for the stalled Parliament — remains unresolved. The BJP's latest statement offers a conditional path forward: let the House function, and Amit Shah will come. Whether the Opposition accepts that condition will determine the fate of the remainder of the session.
