Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition during a debate in Parliament, accusing it of attempting to politicise an important legislative discussion instead of participating constructively. Defending the government's position on the issue of alleged use of force during protests, Singh categorically stated that no firing had taken place and clarified that only tear gas had been used. He also rejected suggestions that any minister could have ordered the use of firearms, emphasizing that such authority rests solely with the magistrate.
Addressing the House, Singh said, "It was repeatedly clarified that no shots were fired; tear gas was used. Since no shots were fired, the question of issuing an order does not arise. The authority to issue such an order rests with the magistrate, not the minister."
The minister asserted that the government's position had been made clear on multiple occasions and urged members not to spread misinformation regarding the handling of the situation. His remarks came amid heated exchanges between the Treasury and Opposition benches over the matter.
Turning his attention to the broader parliamentary debate, Singh expressed disappointment over what he described as the Opposition's approach to the proceedings. He said the Bill under discussion had been introduced with "utmost seriousness" and reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to addressing the issue in a comprehensive manner.
"First of all, it is extremely disappointing to see the conduct of the Opposition. At a time when such an important Bill is being discussed, one that has been introduced with utmost seriousness and reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment, instead of engaging in a meaningful debate and offering constructive suggestions, the Opposition is trying to politicise the issue," Singh said.
The Union Minister also took exception to the remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition during the debate, alleging that the language used was inconsistent with parliamentary traditions and decorum.
"I am particularly surprised by the conduct of the Leader of the Opposition. The words he used were not only unparliamentary but so inappropriate that I would not even repeat them here. If someone considers themselves educated and aware of parliamentary conventions, they would know that such language cannot be used inside the House," he said.
Singh further stressed that while political leaders are free to express themselves outside Parliament, debates inside the House must adhere to established rules and conventions.
"They may choose to say such things outside Parliament, but not within it. I am astonished that the Leader of the Opposition, who holds such an important constitutional position, appears to lack even a basic understanding of parliamentary norms and decorum," he added.
The minister's remarks intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition, with both sides exchanging sharp criticism during the debate. The discussion underscored the deep divisions in Parliament over the legislation, as the government urged members to focus on the merits of the Bill while the Opposition continued to question its handling of related issues.
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