‘Not Good for Democracy’: Kiren Rijiju Expresses Frustration Over Opposition Walkouts in Lok Sabha

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized Opposition parties for stalling parliamentary proceedings, alleging that they are avoiding a structured debate on student protests surrounding the NEET examination despite the Centre's explicit willingness to respond. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Rijiju displayed a copy of an official letter written by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The letter reiterated the government’s readiness to hold an extensive discussion on the floor of the House regarding the nationwide student demonstrations and related incidents.

Rijiju expressed deep frustration over the ongoing stalemate, calling the situation unprecedented in a parliamentary democracy. Typically, Opposition parties demand discussions while the ruling government hesitates; however, in this instance, the government has repeatedly offered to address all queries, only for the Opposition to stage walkouts. ‘Not Interested in Lectures’: Rahul Gandhi’s Reply to Amit Shah’s Debate Offer; Takes ‘Mouse’ Jibe at Media (Video).

"I am very disappointed and totally frustrated," Rijiju said. "For the first time in my life, I am witnessing a situation where the government wants a discussion in Parliament, but the Opposition is running away from it. In a parliamentary democracy, the Opposition demands a discussion and the government responds. Here, the government itself is saying that it is ready for a discussion and will provide answers, but the Opposition does not want to hear them."

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister emphasized that both the government and the Opposition share equal responsibility in upholding democratic processes. He noted that when student protests intensified over examination irregularities, the Opposition had insisted on a formal response from the Home Minister.

Despite repeated assurances from the government that it is prepared for a threadbare debate, Opposition members have continued to interrupt proceedings, leading to frequent adjournments. Rijiju stated that the Home Minister was compelled to write directly to the Lok Sabha Speaker to formalize the Centre's offer for a discussion. 'Ready to Answer All Questions': Amit Shah Writes to Om Birla, Offers Debate on NEET Agitation.

‘First Time Government Wants Discussion and Opposition Runs Away’

VIDEO | Delhi: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "I am very disappointed and totally frustrated. For the first time in my life, I am witnessing a situation where the government wants a discussion in Parliament, but the Opposition is running away from it. It… pic.twitter.com/filVqqBNwm

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 12, 2026

The ongoing standoff has severely impacted legislative business during the parliamentary session, with several key proceedings disrupted amid slogans and walkouts. The government maintains that it remains open to scheduling the debate as soon as the Opposition agrees to participate in the House proceedings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 04:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).