Kathmandu— Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded sharply to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday, accusing him of “cowardly” behavior after Gandhi demanded a parliamentary discussion on recent student protests and the response of authorities, only to seemingly retreat from that demand. The exchange occurred amidst ongoing disruptions in both houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session as opposition parties continue to press for a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding police actions against protestors. Rijiju stated the government is prepared for debate and challenged Gandhi to listen to Shah’s response, while Gandhi countered that the opposition seeks accountability for alleged excessive force used by authorities.

Government Ready for Debate

Kiren Rijiju reiterated the government's willingness to discuss the student protests surrounding the NEET exam, emphasizing Amit Shah’s commitment to providing a comprehensive reply on the floor of Parliament. He challenged Gandhi and the Congress party to engage in the debate, questioning whether they would listen to Shah’s response or avoid it altogether. “We are ready,” Rijiju said. “Now we will see who runs away from the discussion.”

Rijiju further stated that he had clearly communicated this position in the Lok Sabha, noting Gandhi's repeated requests for a statement from Amit Shah and asserting that the government was now prepared to deliver one. He accused Gandhi of attempting to evade accountability by demanding a response and then appearing unwilling to hear it.

Gandhi Seeks Accountability

Rahul Gandhi, addressing a press conference, stated that the opposition’s primary concern wasn't Shah’s opinion but rather an explanation regarding who authorized the police crackdown on protestors. He questioned Shah’s willingness to appear before Parliament and suggested neither he nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi possessed the courage to do so.

Gandhi specifically asked for clarity on whether Shah ordered the use of force, or if responsibility lay with another official within the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). “We want to understand: is there culpability or incompetence?” Gandhi stated. He characterized the demand for an answer as a search for accountability, not merely an opportunity for debate.

Both houses of Parliament continue to experience disruptions as opposition parties maintain their demand for a statement from Amit Shah regarding the student protests and police response, with no immediate resolution in sight.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.