Congress Labels Amit Shah a ‘Coward’ for Missing Parliamentary Sessions Amid Protests

The Indian National Congress has accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of being a ‘coward’ for his absence in the Lok Sabha, particularly as the Opposition demanded a debate regarding police actions taken against youth protesters in Delhi on July 20. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed frustration over Shah’s continued absence, emphasizing that the Home Minister has not attended Parliament for 17 consecutive sittings, which he described as ‘truly unprecedented.’

Ramesh stated, “Once again, he has proved that those who intimidate are themselves cowards,” highlighting the Opposition’s view that accountability and open discourse are essential in the face of governmental inaction. The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced on July 20 and is set to wrap up shortly, making the timing of Shah’s absence particularly contentious.

In response to these criticisms, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended Shah, asserting that the government was prepared for a thorough discussion regarding the student protests and the subsequent police response. Rijiju claimed that Shah was ready to provide a detailed rebuttal, directly addressing the concerns raised by the Opposition. He further accused Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, of evading substantive debate by instead opting to engage in protests outside Parliament.

The atmosphere within the Parliament complex has been tumultuous, with both Opposition and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members staging protests. On one hand, Opposition MPs demanded Shah’s presence to clarify the government’s stance on the police actions, while on the other, NDA MPs rallied in a counter-protest, underscoring the polarized political climate.

This series of events not only highlights the growing tensions between the ruling party and the Opposition but also raises questions about the accountability of government officials in addressing public dissent. As the Monsoon Session nears its conclusion, the calls for transparency and dialogue surrounding the protests continue to resonate throughout the Parliament.

Source: scroll.in