Centre slams Opposition for boycotting Parl session on Shubhanshu Shukla: 'You seem to be angry with space'

Shubhanshu Shukla became India's first astronaut aboard the International Space Station

Union minister Jitendra Singh accused the Opposition of failing to congratulate the space experts and scientists as they boycotted a special discussion on Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut aboard the International Space Station.

“Your anger can be with the BJP and the NDA. But it is surprising that you can be angry with an astronaut,” Singh said in the Lok Sabha during the session that also discussed critical role of space in India’s journey towards a developed economy by 2047.

“And that astronaut who, apart from being an astronaut, is also a disciplined soldier of the Indian Air Force. He does not belong to any political party... You are angry with the earth, you are angry with the sky and today you seem to be angry with space as well."

#WATCH | Lok Sabha takes up special discussion on India's First Astronaut Aboard the International Space Station – Critical Role of Space programme for ‘Viksit Bharat By 2047’.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, "You (Opposition) have failed to congratulate the space experts… pic.twitter.com/jJj4yeVbW8

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025

The Opposition on Monday boycotted the special session and instead demand discussion on more pressing issues, including Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Earlier, Union minister for Parliamentary affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also urged opposition parties to participate in the discussion in the Lok Sabha. "Our hero astronaut Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla has returned home after a successful mission to International Space Station. Parliament will honour him with a special discussion on his historic milestone and India's growing space ambitions in our journey towards Viksit Bharat," Rijiju said in a post on X.

Rijiju urged members to participate in the same spirit as they had during the debate on Operation Sindoor.

With agency inputs