Rijiju says only government can choose Speaker

New Delhi

A heated debate broke out in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday during the discussion on Operation Sindoor, as the opposition criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence. Instead of Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah responded to the debate, sparking protest from opposition parties.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said they felt disrespected by the Prime Minister’s earlier statement that he would "deal with them alone" and wanted him to respond directly in the House. He clarified they had no issue with Home Ministers replying, referencing the 2008 Mumbai attacks when the then Home Minister addressed Parliament.

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda reminded everyone that even in 2008, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had not responded directly, which was a valid precedent.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government, saying the Prime Minister had already given a detailed reply in the Lok Sabha that lasted over an hour. He added that Home Minister Shah was fully capable of addressing the Rajya Sabha.

Rijiju emphasized that it is the government’s right to decide who will speak in Parliament. “This is a matter of collective responsibility. The opposition cannot dictate who should reply,” he said.

The argument led to more shouting in the Rajya Sabha. The Chair was forced to adjourn the House until 4.30 p.m. The session had already seen disruptions, with opposition MPs demanding a review of Bihar’s voter list, raising concerns about U.S. tariffs, crimes against women, and calling for the Chairman’s resignation.