Former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman and veteran Congress leader P.J. Kurien on Thursday (August 6, 2026) urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to “perform the duty of directing” Union Home Minister Amit Shah to be present in the House and respond to the questions raised by the Opposition members. Constitutional dutyHe said the government was accountable to Parliament and it was the constitutional duty of the Opposition to ensure accountability. Mr. Kurien said the presiding officers had on umpteen occasions given such directions and that it was the precedent and practice of the House. “Can I request the Hon’ble Speaker to perform the duty of directing the Home Minister to be present in the House or asking the government to ensure his presence in the House.