Parliament Monsoon Session: ‘No direction from the Chair’ for Amit Shah’s presence, says Rijiju as Opposition protests Home Minister’s absence

On August 7, 2026, the Rajya Sabha proceedings were temporarily halted for approximately half an hour due to the Opposition members' protest, demanding the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah to comment on the police action taken against students protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak. The Congress-led Opposition raised slogans for the Home Minister's attendance, which were met with counter-slogans from the Treasury benches.

Following the adjournment, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of the Home Minister's continued absence during the ongoing monsoon session. He criticized the government for not respecting the Chairman's comments and disrespecting the House. Earlier, on August 6, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had asked the Chairman to echo the Opposition's sentiments and consider the request for the Home Minister's presence in the House.

However, Rijiju denied any direction from the Chair and accused the Leader of the Opposition of misleading the House. He stated that the Home Minister attends Parliament daily and it is inappropriate to protest over his name each day. Rijiju explained that ministers attend proceedings according to their ministry's agenda, and the Opposition cannot dictate which minister will visit the House and when.

He condemned the Opposition's actions of raising slogans and then leaving Parliament. Later, the Lok Sabha passed a Bill related to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The session was later adjourned until August 10, 2026.