A fiery confrontation unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju challenged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over serious allegations made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Rahul Gandhi's Allegation
During a debate on the Anti-Paper Leak Bill, Rahul Gandhi asserted that Home Minister Amit Shah was personally responsible for ordering police action against students participating in a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Gandhi claimed, "The Home Minister ordered the shooting of our students. He put pellets into the blood of our students. He ordered the students of India to be shot." He further emphasized that the use of force in such situations could only be authorized by the Home Minister or the Prime Minister.
Rijiju Demands Proof or Apology
Kiren Rijiju immediately countered Gandhi's remarks, stating that the allegation was extremely grave and made without presenting any evidence to Parliament. "Rahul Gandhi ji did not ask for an inquiry. He directly named and spoke about a firing order. How can you make such a statement? Do you understand how serious an allegation this is?" Rijiju questioned.
Rijiju firmly demanded that Gandhi either substantiate his claims with concrete proof or issue an apology to the House for making a "very serious and false allegation." He reiterated, "You will have to apologise or express regret and withdraw your words." The minister drew a parallel, asking if he could similarly accuse someone of murder without any basis, stressing the need for responsible conduct in Parliament.
Speaker Intervenes
As the exchange intensified, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened, urging Rahul Gandhi to either provide evidence for his accusation or withdraw it. Birla admonished members against making unverified statements purely "to create a headline."
"If you say you are speaking the truth, then tell us which order of the Home Minister you are referring to. You said the Home Minister gave the order for firing. Produce a copy of that order. Tell us who informed you, what the order number is, and to whom it was issued. Which officer gave this order? Place the copy before the House," Speaker Birla demanded, emphasizing the decorum and seriousness required in parliamentary proceedings.
Rahul Gandhi briefly defended his stance by reiterating that only the country's top political leadership holds the authority to sanction the use of force.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions and demands for accountability within India's political landscape, particularly concerning police actions during public protests.