Home Minister Amit Shah stated on August 12 that the government is prepared for discussions on the NEET student protests. He urged opposition parties to allow Parliament to function effectively. Shah emphasized his regular attendance in parliamentary sessions. He added that disruptions hinder productive proceedings.
Government Offers Discussion Time
Shah confirmed the government's readiness to discuss all issues, including the NEET protests. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had previously conveyed this. Shah reiterated his willingness to answer questions. He proposed a specific timeframe for the discussion.
The government offered the opposition a window for debate. Opposition parties can submit a written request to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla by 2 PM on August 12 . Following this, a discussion could take place from 3 PM on August 12 until 3 PM on August 13 .
Opposition Response
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi responded swiftly. He directly questioned the Home Minister. Gandhi asked, "Who gave the order to shoot the students?" He stated that the Delhi Police and RAF fall under the Home Ministry. Gandhi asserted that if Shah ordered it, he is culpable. If he did not order it, Gandhi called him incompetent. In either scenario, Gandhi demanded Shah's resignation.
Shah's Statement on X
Home Minister Amit Shah also posted on the social media platform X. He stated the government is ready for all parliamentary discussions. He claimed the opposition's goal is chaos, not debate. Shah vowed to answer every opposition question. He believes the public will then judge who seeks discussion and who avoids it.
His post on X, translated from Hindi, read: "The Modi government is ready for every kind of discussion in Parliament. But the opposition's aim is not to discuss, but to create chaos. Opposition parties should give a letter for discussion to the Lok Sabha Speaker. We are ready to discuss from 3 PM today until 3 PM tomorrow. I will answer each and every question from the opposition tomorrow. Then the public will decide who wants to discuss and who is running away."
Rahul Gandhi's Previous Call
Earlier, on August 10 , Rahul Gandhi called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to address Parliament. He urged them to respond to concerns regarding the student protests. Gandhi stated that neither leader had the courage to attend Parliament. He criticized their failure to account for alleged "brutality inflicted on our students."
