The Lok Sabha was adjourned on Monday following a special discussion on Commander Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
The session witnessed protests from opposition parties over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar and allegations concerning the Election Commission. Amid continued disruptions, the House was adjourned and will reconvene on August 19 at 11 am.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, criticised the Opposition for failing to acknowledge India’s recent space achievements.
“It is surprising that the opposition cannot even praise the space achievements of India, while the country has demonstrated its capabilities in Operation Sindoor as well,” Singh said while opening the discussion on Shukla’s return to India after his ISS mission.
Opposition MPs, however, raised slogans and staged protests in the House. Singh questioned their stance, saying, “Your anger can be with the government, with the BJP, or with the NDA. But it is surprising that you are angry with an astronaut who, apart from being an astronaut, is also a disciplined soldier of the Indian Air Force, and does not belong to any political party.”
He added, “You are angry with the earth, you are angry with the sky, and today you seem to be angry with space as well.”
The minister also highlighted the role of space technology during Operation Sindoor, attributing India’s progress in the sector to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh argued that while India always had talented scientists, space policies lacked direction before 2014.
“On May 26, 2014, when PM Modi became Prime Minister, a new chapter began in India’s space journey. The deficiencies were not in capability, but in policy and harmony, which were addressed under the NDA government,” he said.
-ANI