Silence is his admission: Sack Shah, demands Rahul

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a fresh attack on Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged police action against students in Delhi, demanding his resignation and questioning his prolonged absence from Parliament. Gandhi said Dhah’s silence on the issue was itself an answer, alleging that “when a person does not have the courage to speak the truth, his silence speaks for him.” Gandhi claimed that Shah had been absent from the House for around 20 days because he was unwilling to face questions in Parliament. He said the country was not looking for another speech from the Home Minister but wanted answers about the alleged police action against students in the national capital. Gandhi demanded to know who authorised the use of force against the students and specifically questioned who ordered the alleged firing and the use of lathis fitted with nails. He alleged that the instructions for the action came directly from the Union Home Ministry and said Shah should therefore take responsibility and resign from his post.

Stepping up his criticism, Gandhi said Shah’s political image had already suffered a major setback. He described it as a “burst balloon” that had lost its air and alleged that efforts were now underway to artificially restore his image. Gandhi further claimed that while Shah had stayed away from the House, he remained in his chamber and was surrounded by extensive security arrangements.

Gandhi also referred to the security around the Home Minister, claiming that his convoy consists of around 30 vehicles and that a heavy police presence is maintained outside his residence. He alleged that such arrangements were intended to prevent students from reaching Shah and confronting him with their concerns.