‘Not interested in a lecture’: Rahul Gandhi rejects Shah’s debate offer, demands his resignation

New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday rejected Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s offer for a discussion in Parliament on the recent student protests, saying the Opposition was not interested in listening to a “lecture” and wanted answers over the alleged police action against protesters.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi questioned who authorised the alleged firing and lathi-charge against protesting students. He said the younger generation wanted accountability over the action and directly linked the issue to Shah’s responsibility as Home Minister.

“If Amit Shah gave the order, he should resign. If he did not, then he is incompetent,” Gandhi said, arguing that Shah should take responsibility in either case.

Gandhi also accused Shah of avoiding Parliament and said the Home Minister did not have the courage to face the House. He claimed that Shah’s political image had been damaged amid the ongoing confrontation.

Shah challenges Opposition to debate

Earlier, Shah said the government was ready for a detailed discussion in Parliament on all aspects of the student protests, including the alleged police action.

He said the Opposition should submit a written request to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla within the stipulated time so that a discussion could begin. Shah maintained that he was prepared to answer questions in the House.

Responding to allegations that he was “missing” from Parliament, Shah said he had been attending Parliament and sitting in his chamber, but claimed that repeated Opposition disruptions were preventing the Houses from functioning.

He challenged the Opposition to accept the government's offer for a debate, saying the public could decide who was avoiding the discussion.

Opposition protest continues

The standoff comes amid continued Opposition protests over the student demonstrations and alleged police excesses. Opposition leaders staged a demonstration outside Parliament on Wednesday, raising slogans demanding answers from Shah.

The dispute has repeatedly disrupted parliamentary proceedings, with the Opposition insisting on accountability over the alleged use of force against students, while the government maintains that it is ready to address the issue through a formal discussion in the House.