"Some things should be seen above politics...": Shivraj Singh Chouhan distressed as Congress creates ruckus during special discussion on India's space program

New Delhi [India], August 19 (ANI): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has voiced strong disappointment, saying that while the nation takes pride in the success of Chandrayaan, the bravery of the Armed Forces in surgical strikes, and the historic feat of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned after a mission to the International Space Station, the Congress has instead chosen to raise questions and create disruption over such achievements.
"I am very distressed to say that some things should be seen above the political differences. Our Chandrayaan landed at the south pole of the Moon; the whole country was in joy, but the Congress was raising questions on it. Our Armed Forces displayed bravery by conducting surgical strikes, but Congress questioned it. Our Armed Forces gave a befitting reply to the enemy, but the Congress also raises questions on it and only wants to know the losses and damage that we faced," Chouhan said on Monday.
He further said, "When the whole country is proud of Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and is welcoming him. During the discussion in the parliament on his achievements, the Congress created a ruckus in the well of the Parliament..."
Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also slammed the Opposition for creating uproar in the Lok Sabha during a special discussion on India's space programme and the achievements 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 to show the country's scientific progress, national pride and future security prospects. However, Singh said the Opposition did not allow the House to function.
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, yet the Opposition obstructed the special discussion. "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 wrote.
He further mentioned, "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."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Shukla returned to Earth in July after completing NASA's Axiom-4 Space Mission. After landing in the national capital on Sunday, he was welcomed by senior leaders.
The Prime Minister posted on X, "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."
During the special discussion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, while addressing the House, highlighted the importance of Shukla's achievement, calling it a matter of national pride. "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 mission's success but a matter of pride and inspiration for Indian citizens. Shukla's achievement is an inspiration for the youth," Birla said.
Meanwhile, protests by the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) leaders continued in the Parliament premises against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar. Despite the Election Commission's clarification on Sunday, the Opposition has alleged "vote chori" against the BJP and the Election Commission of India.
Leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee and DMK's Kanimozhi, staged demonstrations against the voter list revision. The protests have been ongoing since the start of the monsoon session on July 21, with the treasury benches accusing the Opposition of disrupting parliamentary proceedings.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the Opposition to stop creating disruptions in Parliament over matters related to the Election Commission. "Any disputes between the Election Commission and political parties should be discussed directly with the EC, and not in the Parliament," Rijiju said. (ANI)