Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on Friday that the Chair had given no direction requiring Home Minister Amit Shah to be present in Parliament, according to The Hindu. His remarks came as opposition members protested Shah's absence during the Monsoon Session.
Rijiju raised a point of order in the Lok Sabha to address the opposition's demands, The Times of India reported. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge responded sharply to the minister's intervention, escalating the exchange between the two sides.
The protest centered on the opposition's insistence that Shah appear in the House to answer questions. Rijiju countered that without a formal direction from the Chair, there was no obligation for the Home Minister to be present, The Hindu reported.
The disruption led to the Lok Sabha being adjourned until noon, according to ThePrint. Later in the day, both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the remainder of the session day, NDTV reported.
The stalemate has continued for several days, with opposition parties pressing the government on the issue of Shah's absence, Deccan Herald reported. The government has maintained its position that the proceedings should follow the Chair's directives.
The exchange between Rijiju and Kharge reflects the broader tension in Parliament during this session, as opposition members seek to force a response from the Home Minister. The adjournments have stalled legislative business, leaving pending bills and agenda items in limbo.
What to watch next is whether the opposition will shift tactics or escalate its protest when Parliament reconvenes, and whether the Chair will issue any direction regarding Shah's attendance.
