Rahulgandhi was given 42 percent of the allocated time for the budget discussion: Amit Shah

 New Delhi, March 28 (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday over his remarks concerning the functioning of Parliament, asserting that the Leader of Opposition was absent during crucial discussions, instead traveling to Vietnam at the time allocated for his speech in the Lok Sabha.

Addressing the "Times Now Summit 2025," Shah also dismissed the Karnataka government's recent decision to introduce a four-percent quota for Muslims in government contracts, describing it as a "lollipop" aimed at appeasing the community. He emphasized that any reservation based on religion is unconstitutional and would not stand in court.

"We strongly oppose any quota on the basis of religion," Shah stated firmly.

Responding to Gandhi’s critique of parliamentary procedures, Shah remarked that the Congress leader seemed unaware of the structured rules governing the House, which prevent it from being dictated by personal preferences.

"He (Gandhi) was given 42 percent of the allocated time for the budget discussion. It was his prerogative to decide who would speak on behalf of his party. However, while Parliament was engaged in a serious debate, he was in Vietnam. Upon his return, he insisted on speaking at his convenience," Shah said.

He further underscored the necessity of adhering to parliamentary procedures, contrasting it with the Congress party's internal functioning. "Parliament operates based on established rules and procedures, unlike the Congress party, which is controlled by a single family where anyone can speak at will. I am sorry to say, but they must abide by the rules and regulations," he added.

When asked about the Congress party’s allegations that an "Emergency-like" situation prevails in the country, Shah dismissed the claim. "The opposition keeps making such accusations. If there were truly an Emergency, their leaders would be in jail," he remarked.

On the Karnataka government’s policy to allot a four-percent quota for Muslims in contracts, Shah accused the Congress of engaging in vote-bank politics. "For electoral gains, they want to distribute contracts based on religion. However, contracts should be awarded on the basis of quality and price, not religion," he asserted.

Addressing the Congress’s demand for a caste-based census, Shah pointed out the party's past contradictions on the issue. "In 2011, the Congress conducted a caste survey but never released the findings. We are now conducting an internal analysis to determine the appropriate methodology for such a census. Once finalized, we will decide the way forward," he concluded.