Defence Minister Calls Conduct “Extremely Disappointing”; Urges Unity on National Space Achievements
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly criticized the Opposition’s conduct in the Lok Sabha during a scheduled discussion on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission, calling their behavior “extremely disappointing” and “unfortunate.”
What Sparked the Criticism?
The special Lok Sabha session was meant to celebrate the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently became the first Indian Air Force officer and ISRO mission pilot to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) and return successfully.
- The discussion was titled: “India’s Space Program and Its Role in Viksit Bharat 2047”
- It aimed to highlight India’s advancements in space under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
- The session was also intended as a tribute to a national hero, not a political debate.
What Happened in Parliament?
Instead of participating in the discussion:
- Opposition MPs raised slogans against the Election Commission, disrupting proceedings.
- The House was adjourned after continuous protest.
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier appealed to all members to set aside politics for the occasion and honour the space hero.
Rajnath Singh’s Strong Statement
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rajnath Singh said:
“The manner in which the opposition created a ruckus in the House and did not allow it to function is extremely unfortunate.”
He further added:
“This topic is linked to national pride, scientific progress, and strategic security. The opposition had the chance to provide constructive suggestions. Instead, their actions were a letdown.”
Rajnath Singh emphasized that space exploration and science are areas that should remain above party politics, especially when they involve India’s future and global standing.
Why the Discussion Mattered
The session was not just symbolic. It focused on:
- Recognizing India’s space achievements
- Promoting national unity on strategic missions
- Encouraging bipartisan support for Viksit Bharat 2047 goals
By skipping the discussion, the Opposition missed an opportunity to:
- Share constructive criticism
- Offer policy-level input
- Be part of a historic national milestone
As India reaches new heights in space exploration, political unity on such issues becomes crucial. The Defence Minister’s rebuke serves as a reminder that national pride and progress must rise above party lines, especially when celebrating heroes like Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.
Also Read : Shubhanshu Shukla Back In India Tomorrow, May Meet PM On Monday: Sources
