'Parliament Can't Function In Freestyle Manner': Amit Shah Slams 'Disruptive' Opposition | News18 Exclusive

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 21:33 IST

The union home minister also criticised the shift in political discourse from a debate on principles to a forum for personal attacks and abusive language

Shah noted that instead of engaging in substantive debates, opposition members waste precious parliamentary time with 'political jibes'. (File pic: PTI)

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a scathing attack on the opposition’s conduct in Parliament, arguing that their disruptive tactics are eating away at the roots of India’s democracy like a “termite". In an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Shah criticised the shift in political discourse from a debate on principles to a forum for personal attacks and abusive language, which he says does not strengthen the democratic system.

Shah’s core argument centred on the need for parliamentary discipline, stating that the House “cannot function in a freestyle manner". He emphasised that Parliament operates under a specific set of rules and procedures that have been in place since the time of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. He accused the opposition of consistently violating these norms, from disrupting proceedings to staging walkouts even when given a chance to speak by the Speaker. He noted that instead of engaging in substantive debates, opposition members waste precious parliamentary time with “political jibes".

Drawing a sharp contrast, Shah recalled his own party’s conduct during its ten years in opposition, stating that while they would protest to highlight issues, they would eventually return to the House to debate them. He suggested that if constitutional forums are not utilised for discussion, the opposition is left with no choice but to remain on the streets, which is precisely why, according to him, they have been relegated to that position by the people.

Shah concluded by making a direct appeal to the citizens of India. He urged them to hold accountable those who waste Parliament’s time on “political theatrics" rather than focusing on fruitful discussions about national issues such as security, prosperity, employment, and the welfare of the poor. He stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always insisted on upholding the multi-party parliamentary democratic system and that the people must now decide what they want for their country’s political future.

News politics 'Parliament Can't Function In Freestyle Manner': Amit Shah Slams 'Disruptive' Opposition | News18 Exclusive

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