New Delhi sessions turned contentious as the government and the opposition clashed over student protests in Delhi, with Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh rejecting Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s claim that Home Minister Amit Shah ordered police to open fire.
During a Lok Sabha discussion on a new law to curb paper leaks, Rahul Gandhi blamed Home Minister Amit Shah for a crackdown on student protesters last week. Gandhi alleged that Shah ordered attacks on students and lacked the courage to face Parliament. The remarks triggered sharp rebuttals from treasury benches, leading to two adjournments of the House amid an uproar.
Administrative Authority Over Police Firing Orders
Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh lashed out at Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, stating that the opposition leader lacked administrative knowledge. According to Singh, orders to open fire in any situation can only be given by a magistrate or an SDM, and never by a minister. Singh also clarified that no shots were fired on the protesters, noting that tear gas was used instead. Because no shots were fired, Singh stated that the question of issuing a firing order did not arise.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also countered Gandhi during the session, urging him not to make objectionable allegations against the Home Minister without basis and demanding an apology. The anti-paper leak bill was eventually passed amid opposition sloganeering via a voice vote.
Did You Know? Under Indian administrative rules cited during the parliamentary debate, the authority to issue an order to open fire rests exclusively with a magistrate or an SDM, rather than any government minister.
Rahul Gandhi Presses Culpability Claims Outside Parliament
Speaking with reporters in the Parliament House complex following the adjournments, Rahul Gandhi maintained his stance on the Home Minister’s responsibility. Gandhi stated that there are only two logical options regarding the incident: either the Home Minister gave the order for firing, or he did not know it would happen. Gandhi asserted that the Home Minister is culpable in the first scenario and incompetent in the second.
Gandhi also questioned why the Home Minister was absent from the House to address the assault on students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Rahul Gandhi blame for the crackdown on student protesters?
Rahul Gandhi blamed Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that he ordered attacks on students during protests in Delhi.
What did Jitendra Singh say about who can order police to open fire?
Jitendra Singh stated that only a magistrate or an SDM can give an order to open fire in any situation, not a minister.
Were any live rounds fired at the student protesters?
No, Jitendra Singh clarified that no shots were fired and that tear gas was used instead.
How should Parliament balance urgent civil unrest discussions with legislative business during heated political disputes?
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