"Extremely unfortunate": Rajnath Singh slams Opposition for disrupting LS debate

New Delhi [India], August 18 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday criticised the Opposition party for creating uproar in the Lok Sabha during a special discussion on India's space programme and the successful mission of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force and ISRO pilot who travelled to the International Space Station (ISS).
The discussion, titled "India's Space Program and Its Role in Viksit Bharat 2047," was aimed at highlighting the nation's scientific progress, national pride, and future security prospects. However, the minister said that the Opposition did not allow the House to function, calling their actions "extremely unfortunate."

आज लोकसभा में भारतीय वायु सेना के ग्रुप कैप्टन और ISRO मिशन के पायलट शुभांशु शुक्ला की अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्पेस स्टेशन (ISS) यात्रा और उसके बाद की वापसी पर विशेष चर्चा के दौरान जिस तरह से विपक्ष ने सदन में हंगामा किया और सदन को चलने नहीं दिया, वह बेहद दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है।

यह चर्चा…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 18, 2025

In a post on X, the Defence Minister said, "Today, during a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on the journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force and ISRO mission pilot to the International Space Station (ISS) and his subsequent return, the manner in which the Opposition created a ruckus in the House and did not allow it to function is extremely unfortunate."
He added that the topic was directly linked to the nation's achievements and self-respect, and yet the Opposition obstructed the debate.
The Defence Minister expressed disappointment over the conduct of Opposition members. "This discussion was on the topic 'India's Space Program and Its Role in Viksit Bharat 2047,' which is related to national achievement, the country's pride, self-respect, and the prospects of scientific and national security in the future. The way the opposition obstructed it, their behaviour today was extremely disappointing," Singh further wrote.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the unprecedented heights India is reaching in space exploration are remarkable. The opposition could have participated in the discussion and provided constructive review, criticism, and suggestions for India's space program. Topics like space, which are extremely important for India's scientific and strategic vision in the 21st century, should at least be kept above partisan politics," the Defence Minister further wrote.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned to Earth in July after completing NASA's Axiom-4 Space Mission, and said that India was proud of his achievements.
The Prime Minister held discussions with Shukla regarding his experiences in space, among other issues. "Had a great interaction with Shubhanshu Shukla. We discussed a wide range of subjects including his experiences in space, progress in science and technology as well as India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission. India is proud of his feat," PM Modi posted on X.
Shukla was the pilot of the Axiom-4 Space Mission to the ISS. He returned to Earth on July 15 after completing the NASA mission and landed in the national capital in the early hours of Sunday.
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla today highlighted the importance of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's achievements in completing a mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the critical role of the space program for the 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047."
On this occasion, the (lower) house welcomes Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to India. His space mission and successful return are not merely about the success of the mission, but a matter of pride and inspiration for Indian citizens. Shukla's achievement is an inspiration for the youth," Birla said while addressing the Lok Sabha.
Lok Sabha briefly took up discussion on India's First Astronaut Aboard the International Space Station - Critical Role of Space programme for 'Viksit Bharat By 2047'. Speaker Om Birla congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his achievements. (ANI)