Rijiju offers session extension for student protest debate; Lok Sabha adjourned

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Wednesday after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was willing to extend the Monsoon Session if the Congress agreed to a discussion on the ongoing students' protests. The offer, however, came amid sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, with Rijiju accusing the Opposition of "running away" from a debate.

Rijiju's frustration

Speaking to reporters after the House was adjourned, Rijiju expressed his exasperation over the impasse. "I am totally frustrated," he said, adding that the Opposition was avoiding a structured debate on the issue of student protests, which have gained momentum in several parts of the country over the past weeks.

The minister's remarks came after repeated attempts by the government to schedule a discussion. He noted that the Centre was prepared to extend the session beyond its scheduled conclusion if the Congress and other opposition parties agreed to participate in a debate. "We can extend the session, but the Opposition must come forward," Rijiju said.

Shah's letter to Speaker

In a related development, Home Minister Amit Shah wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting that time be allocated for a debate on the NEET-related student protests. The letter, sent earlier in the day, proposed that the discussion begin immediately, reflecting the government's urgency to address the issue on the floor of the House.

Shah's intervention underscored the political sensitivity of the protests, which have drawn widespread attention, particularly among aspirants of competitive examinations. The government's move was seen as an attempt to counter the Opposition's narrative that it was avoiding a parliamentary discussion on the matter.

Opposition's stance

The Congress, however, remained firm on its demand for a separate, dedicated discussion on the students' protests, rather than a combined debate that might dilute the focus. Opposition leaders accused the government of procedural delays and insisted that the issue required urgent and exclusive attention.

Rijiju described the situation as "unique," noting that the Opposition was unwilling to engage even when the government expressed flexibility on the session's duration. "This is a strange situation where we are offering more time, and they are refusing," he said.

House adjourned, no business transacted

The Lok Sabha was eventually adjourned for the day without transacting any substantive business. The Rajya Sabha, too, saw disruptions, with opposition members pressing for an immediate discussion on the student protests. As the session enters its final phase, the logjam shows no signs of easing.

Observers noted that the government's offer to extend the session could be a strategic move to isolate the Opposition, should it continue to stall proceedings. With both sides sticking to their positions, the coming days are likely to witness further confrontation.

What remains to be seen is whether the Congress will accept the government's proposal and allow the House to function, or whether the stalemate will persist until the session concludes. The ball is now in the Opposition's court.