Kharge asks if Amit Shah's 'mouth stitched shut' amid Parliament absence

Kharge takes aim at absent Home Minister

Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Questioning Shah's continued absence from Parliament, Kharge demanded to know why he had not spoken about the recent crackdown by the Central Jabalpur Police (CJP).

“Has someone stitched your mouth shut?” Kharge asked, addressing the empty treasury benches. He accused the government of shielding the Home Minister from accountability. The remark triggered an immediate uproar in the Upper House.

Opposition demands Shah’s presence

The opposition has been pressing for Shah's presence in the House for several days. They want a statement on the alleged excessive force used by the CJP during protests in Madhya Pradesh. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice on Thursday after opposition members refused to let proceedings continue without the Home Minister.

“The man who controls the country’s internal security is missing when his own department is under scrutiny. This is unacceptable,” a senior opposition leader said. The government has not yet explained Shah's absence, though sources indicate he is likely travelling for party organisational work.

BJP hits back over ‘threatening’ remark

The Bharatiya Janata Party reacted strongly to Kharge’s comment. Party spokespersons accused him of crossing a line. “This is not just a casual remark. It is a veiled threat against a Union Minister,” a BJP leader said. The party demanded an apology, calling Kharge’s language unbecoming of a Leader of the Opposition.

Kharge, however, stood by his words. He said he was only reflecting the frustration of millions who want answers. “If asking a question is a threat, then this government has no tolerance for democracy,” he added.

Disruption marks Monsoon Session

The Monsoon Session of Parliament has been marked by frequent disruptions. On Thursday, Lok Sabha also witnessed a ruckus as opposition members raised multiple issues, including the Vande Mataram Bill. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi argued that the Bill violates constitutional rights. The House was adjourned briefly.

Key legislative business remains pending. The government is keen to push through the Vande Mataram Bill and other proposals. But with the opposition digging in, the session is likely to see more turbulence.

What happens next

The Rajya Sabha is expected to reconvene on Friday. The opposition has indicated it will continue to press for Amit Shah’s presence. If the Home Minister does not appear, the protests are likely to escalate. The government may have to weigh its legislative agenda against the risk of a complete washout.