Rijiju defends Shah amid Oppn persistent demand for HM’s statement

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju staunchly defended Home Minister Amit Shah against persistent opposition demands for Shah's statement on the use of pellet guns against students. The clashes in Parliament have been ongoing for two consecutive weeks, disrupting functioning in both Houses. The government blamed Congress and Opposition MPs for the unruly behavior but refused to concede to their demands.

Rijiju criticized the Opposition, asserting Shah's name instills fear in the hearts of terrorists and extremists. He further explained that Shah, who works round-the-clock in Parliament, has every right to be present during the scheduled business. The minister emphasized government's efforts to pass bills, citing the successful passage of the MSME development bill in Lok Sabha, despite the Opposition's disruptive behavior.

The bill aims to strengthen the legal framework for MSMEs, enhance ease of doing business, and address payment issues faced by Micro and Small Enterprises. The MSME classification based on "Investment in plant/machinery" and "Turnover" has been incorporated in the Act. The government has been making efforts to engage with opposition parties over the FCRA and Delimitation Bills, but it seems these bills might not be discussed in the coming week.

Opposition leaders, including Congress, DMK, NCP, and Samajwadi Party, have insisted on written assurances regarding proportional representation of states in the Lok Sabha.