During a parliamentary discussion, Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed his disapproval of the opposition parties for their perceived disregard of India’s space program accomplishments. He found it remarkable that the opposition had not acknowledged these achievements, even in light of the nation’s successful demonstration of its capabilities during Operation Sindoor. The discussion centered on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from the International Space Station (ISS). Singh suggested that the opposition was transferring their frustrations with the BJP and NDA onto an astronaut who is not politically affiliated. The opposition members responded with protests and sloganeering in Parliament. Singh remarked that the opposition had failed to congratulate the space scientists and experts. He stated their anger should be directed at the government, the BJP, and the NDA, rather than at an astronaut who is also a disciplined member of the Indian Air Force and not associated with any political party. Singh also acknowledged the significance of space technology in the success of Operation Sindoor, which he attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He noted that the space sector experienced a new phase beginning in 2014 when PM Modi assumed office. Singh explained that the space department’s isolation for decades was addressed with the new policies of the Modi government. He also pointed out that the problem wasn’t talent or work ethic but a lack of cohesive policies, which was remedied in 2014. Prior to Singh’s remarks, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor acknowledged the importance of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent mission to the ISS for India’s human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. Shukla concluded NASA’s Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission and returned to Earth on July 15, becoming the first Indian in over four decades to travel to space.
Space Minister Singh Condemns Opposition for Ignoring Space Achievements, Raises Concerns Over Their Criticism of Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
