The Lok Sabha proceedings were interrupted on Monday, the 18th day of the monsoon session, due to protests from the opposition. The opposition members engaged in sloganeering related to the Bihar SIR, causing significant disruption. Despite the unrest, a discussion on Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhansu Shukla’s historic space mission began at 2 PM. The opposition’s continued disruptions led to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha until Tuesday, August 19th, at 11 AM. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his disapproval regarding the disruptive behavior. Singh shared a post on social media, criticizing the opposition’s conduct during the special discussion regarding Group Captain Shubhansu Shukla’s International Space Station (ISS) journey and his return, calling it unfortunate. The focus of the discussion was India’s space program and its role in shaping a developed India by 2047, including national achievements, the nation’s honor, and the prospects of future scientific and national security. Singh noted that the opposition’s obstruction was disappointing. He stated that the opposition could have provided constructive criticism and suggestions concerning India’s space program through participation in the discussion. Singh highlighted the importance of keeping matters related to space, which are vital for India’s scientific and strategic progress in the 21st century, free from partisan politics. Astronaut Shubhansu Shukla returned to India on the morning of Sunday, August 17th. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, welcomed Shukla and his backup astronaut, Prashant Balakrishnan Nair. A special discussion on the topic of ‘India’s First Astronaut on the International Space Station – The Important Role of the Space Program for a Developed India by 2047’ was organized in the Lok Sabha to celebrate Shukla’s homecoming.
