Is it the Government's Right to Choose Who Replies in Discussions? Kiren Rijiju Weighs In
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Synopsis
A fierce debate unfolds in the Rajya Sabha over the government's handling of the discussion on Operation Sindoor. With the Prime Minister absent, the opposition demands accountability, while the government asserts its prerogative in choosing speakers. Discover the unfolding drama and implications of this political standoff.
Key Takeaways
- Debate highlights tensions between government and opposition.
- Prime Minister's absence raises questions about accountability.
- Government maintains its prerogative in speaker selection.
- Opposition demands stronger representation in discussions.
- Parliamentary protocols examined amidst political drama.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) A heated debate erupted between the treasury benches and opposition members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday regarding the government's approach to the discussion on Operation Sindoor.
The opposition expressed strong discontent over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence during the discussion, with Home Minister Amit Shah stepping in to respond.
Leader of the House J.P. Nadda reminded everyone that a similar situation occurred in 2008, after the Mumbai terror attacks, when it was the then Home Minister who addressed Parliament, not Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
In response, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge stated, “While Nadda ji pointed out that the Home Minister replied during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, that is not our contention. Our objection arises from the Prime Minister’s statement that he would ‘deal with us alone,’ which we found disrespectful. We insisted that he should respond himself, given his presence.”
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government's choice, noting that the Prime Minister had already delivered a comprehensive reply lasting one hour and 42 minutes in the Lok Sabha regarding Operation Sindoor.
“The response in the Rajya Sabha came the following day. The Home Minister is fully qualified to answer the discussion. The opposition's objections are unjustified,” Rijiju stated.
He emphasized that the decision of who speaks in the House is ultimately up to the government. “This is a matter of collective responsibility. It is not the place of the opposition to dictate who should respond. That authority rests with the government,” Rijiju asserted.
This declaration led to increased chaos in the Rajya Sabha, prompting the Chair to suspend proceedings until 4:30 p.m.
The Upper House faced numerous interruptions throughout the day. Shortly after sessions began in the morning, opposition MPs raised multiple concerns, including demands for a thorough review of the voter list in Bihar, issues regarding U.S. tariffs, escalating crimes against women, and calls for the Chairman’s resignation.
The opposition sought discussions under Rule 267, but when their request was denied, MPs began chanting slogans, resulting in an initial adjournment until noon and later until 4:30 p.m.
Point of View
It’s essential to recognize the balance of power in our parliamentary system. The government holds the right to determine its representatives in discussions, but the opposition's demand for accountability reflects the vital role of checks and balances in democracy. This ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of robust parliamentary practices.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the debate in the Rajya Sabha?
The debate was ignited by the government's handling of the discussion on Operation Sindoor, particularly concerning the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Who responded to the discussion in the absence of the Prime Minister?
Home Minister Amit Shah stepped in to respond to the discussion.
What did the opposition demand during the proceedings?
The opposition demanded that Prime Minister Modi should respond personally to their concerns.
What was Kiren Rijiju's stance on the government's choice of speaker?
Kiren Rijiju stated it is the government's prerogative to decide who responds in the House, insisting that the Home Minister was capable of addressing the discussion.
Why was the Rajya Sabha adjourned?
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned due to the chaos and disruptions caused by the opposition's protests.
