Minister Criticizes Opposition's Silence on India's Space Achievements

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, lashed out at opposition parties on Monday, expressing astonishment at their lack of acknowledgment for India's space achievements. During a special parliamentary discussion about astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's return from the International Space Station (ISS), Singh emphasized India's demonstrated space sector capabilities, highlighted in operations like Sindoor.

The minister addressed disruptions caused by opposition MPs during the discussion, criticizing them for failing to commend the nation's space experts. Singh argued that while political grievances may exist against the BJP and NDA, such sentiments should not extend to an unaffiliated astronaut who serves as a disciplined soldier in the Indian Air Force.

Singh praised the contributions of space technology to Operation Sindoor under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He asserted that India's space sector has gained momentum and strength since 2014, questioning why previous governments did not capitalize on India's scientific prowess. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor separately acknowledged Shukla's mission as pivotal for India's human spaceflight aspirations.

(With inputs from agencies.)