Raphael Warjri

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has challenged the Opposition to allow Parliament to function and hold a detailed debate on the student movement over the NEET examination.

Speaking to the media, Shah said the Opposition could approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla by 2 PM, following which the debate could begin at 3 PM. He said he was prepared to continue the discussion late into the night and even till 3 PM the following day, subject to the Speaker’s approval.

Shah maintained that such a serious issue must be addressed through established parliamentary procedures and not merely through a statement. He also said he was ready to respond point-by-point to all issues raised by the Opposition.

The Home Minister has separately written to Speaker Om Birla seeking a discussion on the NEET-related student movement.

Amit Shah put the onus on the Opposition, particularly Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, to ensure smooth functioning of the House, arguing that answers cannot be demanded while simultaneously disrupting parliamentary proceedings.

He also took a political swipe at Gandhi, questioning whether the Leader of Opposition was avoiding the debate for fear of being publicly exposed.