Parliament Protests: Opposition and NDA Clash Over Shah, Ram Temple, Jharkhand
Opposition and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs staged rival protests on the Parliament premises on Wednesday, with security personnel forming a cordon between the two groups. The demonstrations took place near the Makar Dwar, a main entrance to the Parliament building, where slogans were exchanged and banners displayed.
The Opposition, comprising leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and other parties, pressed for two demands: a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the police crackdown on student protesters in Delhi, and a discussion on the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
In a counter-demonstration, NDA MPs accused Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, of evading debate on the student issue. They also pointed to the recent police action against job aspirants in Jharkhand, where the Congress is a junior partner in the Hemant Soren-led coalition government, alleging that Rahul Gandhi had not condemned the lathi charge there.
The government had earlier offered to let Amit Shah address Parliament on the student protests. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Shah was willing to answer questions, provided the House functioned without disruption. Rahul Gandhi, however, stated that the Opposition was not interested in Shah's 'opinion' but wanted a direct answer on who was responsible for the police action.
Speaker Om Birla urged cooperation, noting that the government had agreed to the Opposition's main demand. 'The government has stated that the Home Minister is ready to respond. The government has agreed to your main demand, and other issues will also be discussed. Please cooperate,' he said as the Monsoon Session entered its final week.
During the protests, an exchange between Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and BJP MP Mukesh Dalal drew attention. As Priyanka Gandhi approached the protesting MPs, Dalal was leading slogans against Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi remarked that Rahul Gandhi had already met protesting students in Jharkhand. Dalal responded, asking why she had not gone to Jharkhand. Priyanka Gandhi continued walking and joined the Opposition MPs.
Speaking to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi said the Opposition had compelled government MPs to stage a protest for the first time. 'We have forced them to this extent. Now, let them come forward and make a statement,' she said.
The Jharkhand police had used lathis and water cannons to control a march by aspirants of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) in Ranchi, who were protesting alleged irregularities in examinations. The incident has sparked political repercussions.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticised Rahul Gandhi over the Jharkhand incident. 'Justice must be done for the youth of Jharkhand. The way they were subjected to lathi-charges and atrocities reveals the mindset of Rahul Gandhi,' he said. Thakur also accused the Congress leader of demanding answers from the Home Minister while not attending the House.
The Lok Sabha remained adjourned following continued disruptions, with several non-productive days in the session. The rival protests underscored the deep political divide on issues of student safety, transparency, and federal policing.
