'It's Not Good For Democracy': Kiren Rijiju Blasts Opposition For 'Running Away' From Parliament Discussion

New Delhi: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday voiced sharp frustration over the continuing stalemate in Parliament, accusing the Opposition of “running away” from a discussion the government is ready to hold.

Describing the situation as unprecedented in a parliamentary democracy, Rijiju said the traditional roles had been reversed. “I am totally frustrated. For the first time in my life, I am witnessing a scenario where the government wants a discussion in Parliament, yet the opposition is running away from it,” he told reporters.

“In a parliamentary democracy, it is the opposition that demands a discussion while the government provides the answers. Here, the government itself is saying we will hold a discussion and provide answers, but the opposition refuses to listen. It is not good for democracy,” he said.

The minister said the government had repeatedly offered an open, extensive and detailed debate on the issues raised by the Opposition. Home Minister Amit Shah had written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to persuade Opposition leaders to agree to the discussion. Shah’s letter noted that the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, had already been debated during the current session without any Opposition member raising the NEET examination issue at that time. Nevertheless, the government remained willing to discuss the matter again, Rijiju said.

He questioned the Opposition’s reluctance, saying it appeared to lack the “courage” to face the government in a formal debate. 

“Have you ever heard of such a thing? The government itself is earnestly requesting the Speaker to convince the opposition to participate. Even today, we repeatedly urged them to start the discussion right away, but they simply lack the courage. This is not good for the country,” he said.

Responding to queries about a possible extension of the session, Rijiju said the government was prepared to continue proceedings if the Congress indicated its readiness by 11 am the following day. 

“If the Congress states even tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM that they are ready for the discussion, we will extend the time. You should ask Congress why they got scared and why they fled. I never imagined the Congress would become so weak,” the Parliamentary Affairs minister said.

The Opposition has been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah in the House over allegations of police excesses, including the use of pellet guns, during a students’ protest march near Jantar Mantar on July 20 related to the NEET paper leak. The Monsoon Session has witnessed repeated disruptions since its start, with Opposition members, including Rahul Gandhi, pressing for answers from Shah.

Earlier on Wednesday, Opposition leaders staged a demonstration outside Parliament, raising slogans of “Amit Shah Jawab Do” (Amit Shah, answer) and focusing their criticism on the alleged excessive force used against students in the national capital.