New Delhi

Congress MP KC Venugopal on Wednesday slammed the Central government, following a day of intense disruption in the Lok Sabha, asserting that the party remains steadfast in raising the concerns of students despite "counter-allegations" from the ruling bench.

Speaking on the heated exchange in Parliament, Venugopal emphasised that the welfare of the youth is the opposition's top priority.

"The issue of students of this country is the utmost priority. Our concern is only for students and the parents of this country. We are raising this issue; they (government) didn't have an answer. When these people didn't have an answer, they will try to have a counter-allegation. Let them do that. No issue. We will raise the issue of students," Venugopal stated.

The remarks come in the wake of high drama in the Lok Sabha, which witnessed a fiery war of words as Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the government regarding student protests.

The confrontation reached a boiling point when Gandhi took a direct swipe at Home Minister Amit Shah, attributing his absence from the House to "fear."

"The Home Minister doesn't have the courage to come and sit here. He is not here today 'cause he is scared," Gandhi remarked while addressing the House.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi's certain comment on the Home Minister triggered an immediate uproar from the treasury benches.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju led the government's counter-offensive, terming Gandhi's remarks as "irresponsible" and a "breach of privilege."

"This is an unsubstantiated allegation. The Leader of Opposition cannot make such baseless claims against a senior minister without any evidence. It is a clear breach of his position and privilege," Rijiju said, accusing Gandhi of degrading the dignity of his constitutional post.

As the ruckus intensified, demanding Gandhi's apology, Speaker Om Birla intervened and cautioned the Leader of Opposition against making personal charges without factual backing.

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"You cannot make allegations without proof. This is a House of debate and facts, not for leveling charges without any basis," Speaker Birla told Gandhi.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha got adjourned till 2:30 PM.