Rijiju: Amit Shah to speak on student crackdown; condition for Opposition
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said that Home Minister Amit Shah will speak on the recent crackdown on student protests in Parliament. Rijiju, however, attached a condition to the Opposition, insisting that it must allow the House to function smoothly for the statement to be made.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rijiju indicated that the government is ready to address the issue, but the Opposition cannot disrupt proceedings repeatedly. He said that if the Opposition continues to stall the House, a constructive debate on the matter would not be possible. The Home Minister is scheduled to respond to the issue in both Houses, he added.
The announcement comes amid a stalemate in Parliament over the student protest crackdown. Opposition parties have been demanding a detailed statement from the Home Minister and a discussion on the alleged use of force against students. They have raised the matter repeatedly, leading to adjournments and a prolonged logjam.
The student protests have been ongoing for days over demands related to police action against demonstrators. Reports say several students were injured in the clashes, and many were detained. The protesters have accused the police of excessive force, while authorities have defended the action, saying it was necessary to restore order after the protests turned violent.
The issue has become a major flashpoint between the government and the Opposition, with each side accusing the other of disregarding democratic norms. The Opposition has demanded a clear statement on the number of arrests, injuries, and the government's future course of action. It has also sought action against officials responsible for the crackdown.
Rijiju's remark is being seen as an attempt to break the deadlock. By offering to have the Home Minister speak, the government appears to be signaling its willingness to engage in a parliamentary discussion. At the same time, the condition attached to it puts the onus on the Opposition to ensure that the House functions without disruption.
Political observers note that the government's move could help defuse the tension in Parliament, provided the Opposition agrees to the terms. However, leaders from opposition parties have not yet responded to the condition. They are expected to meet later in the day to decide their next steps.
The development is crucial as the parliamentary session is already behind schedule, with several legislative and policy matters pending. Both sides are under pressure to ensure that the House operates effectively. Whether the condition will be accepted and the statement made remains to be seen.
