Govt Ready To Extend Parliament Session For Debate On Student Protests: Kiren Rijiju
Rijiju offers extended discussion time if Congress agrees.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday urged the Congress and other Opposition parties to participate in a proposed parliamentary discussion on alleged police excesses against student protesters during the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march. Rijiju maintained that if the Opposition agrees to the discussion even on Thursday, the final day of the Monsoon Session, the government would be willing to extend the available time.
Addressing reporters amid the continuing deadlock in Parliament, Rijiju argued that the government was seeking a discussion while the Opposition was refusing to participate. He described the situation as unusual in a parliamentary democracy, where Opposition parties traditionally demand discussions and the government responds to those demands.
Rijiju referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that he was ready to answer questions on the matter. He also pointed to Shah's letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, arguing that it was unusual for the government to appeal to the Speaker to consult Opposition parties and secure their agreement for a discussion.
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The Union minister accused the Congress and other Opposition parties of repeatedly disrupting proceedings throughout the Monsoon Session. He argued that protests and slogans should not replace participation in parliamentary debates and maintained that the Opposition's fundamental responsibility was to question the government and seek answers on issues of public concern.
Rijiju also expressed concern over the experience of first-time MPs, arguing that repeated disruptions had prevented them from witnessing substantive parliamentary debates. He maintained that refusing to participate in discussions despite the government's stated willingness to respond was detrimental to the functioning of Parliament.
On the question of extending parliamentary time, Rijiju gave a specific assurance that the government was prepared to accommodate the Opposition. He said that if Congress communicates by 11 a.m. on Thursday that it is ready to participate in the discussion, the government would extend the time available for it. His remarks came as the government and Opposition remained locked in a standoff during the final phase of the Monsoon Session.
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