Kathmandu— Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for not addressing opposition demands for a statement in Parliament regarding police action against NEET-UG protestors in Delhi. Ramesh pointed to a similar instance during the Winter Session of 2023 when Shah did not respond to requests for comment following a security breach in Lok Sabha, suggesting a recurring pattern of silence from the Home Minister on matters related to his portfolio.

Parliamentary Impasse

The current monsoon session of Parliament has been marked by repeated adjournments due to opposition demands for a statement from Amit Shah. Ramesh highlighted an incident from December 13, 2023, when two individuals breached security in Lok Sabha, releasing smoke canisters and disrupting proceedings. He stated that the opposition at that time repeatedly requested a statement from the Home Minister, but none was provided.

Past Precedent of Silence

Ramesh drew parallels between the current situation and the December 2023 incident, asserting that Shah “remained silent” then as he is now regarding what Ramesh described as “brutalities inflicted by the Delhi Police on protesting youth last month.” He suggested this lack of response represents a consistent approach from the Home Minister.

Legislative Activity Amidst Disruption

Following the suspension of 146 MPs—100 in Lok Sabha and 46 in Rajya Sabha—between December 14 and December 21, 2023, Parliament passed several significant pieces of legislation. These included the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which replaced existing criminal codes, as well as the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill.

The monsoon session of Parliament is scheduled to conclude on August 13, leaving limited time for resolution of the ongoing impasse.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.