Opposition’s Silence on Space Achievements Criticized by Jitendra Singh; Concerns Raised Over Focus on Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla

Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed his surprise at the opposition’s lack of recognition for India’s accomplishments in the space sector. He referenced the nation’s successful demonstration of capabilities during Operation Sindoor. Speaking in Parliament, during a discussion on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from the International Space Station (ISS), Singh accused the opposition of directing their anger towards the BJP and NDA at an astronaut with no political affiliation. Opposition MPs staged protests. Singh criticized the opposition for not congratulating the space experts and scientists. He emphasized that their frustration should be directed towards the government, the BJP, and the NDA, not at an astronaut who is a disciplined member of the Indian Air Force and is not affiliated with any political party. The Union Minister also lauded the contribution of space technology in Operation Sindoor, which he credited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Singh stated that a significant transformation within the space sector started in 2014. He inquired why the Department of Space remained isolated for many years. Singh indicated that the problem was not the lack of talent or dedication, but a deficiency in policy coherence, which was addressed when the NDA assumed power. Earlier, Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP, praised Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent mission to the ISS, highlighting its importance for India’s human spaceflight ambitions. Shukla concluded NASA’s Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission and returned to Earth on July 15, becoming the first Indian in 41 years to journey into space.