Opposition protests Amit Shah’s absence as Rijiju says no order from the Chair

On August 6, Opposition MPs protest Home Minister Amit Shah’s absence from Parliament, disrupting proceedings in the Lok Sabha and/or Rajya Sabha. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responds to the Opposition’s demand for Shah’s presence, saying there is “no direction from the Chair” requiring Amit Shah to attend the House.

According to The Hindu, the Speaker directs Rijiju to “echo the sentiments of the Opposition” and “consider the request” regarding Shah’s presence, while Rijiju rejects the Opposition’s implication that he has been ordered to secure Shah’s attendance. Times of India reports that Rijiju also argues the Opposition cannot dictate which ministers attend, adding that Shah is actively working and that his presence helps deter extremists and terrorists.

Outlets also note the Opposition links Shah’s absence to its demands for a response to police action during recent protests, including allegations of police excesses connected to protests over the NEET paper leak. With Parliament continuing to deal with the issue amid ongoing disruptions, further confrontation is anticipated.