Shinde was found looking for a written statement he had to make in the Rajya Sabha on a Calling Attention Motion on Inadequate Facilities and Safety Measures along the Amarnath Yatra route.
"I was told that after the Calling Attention Motion, a written reply is given. Today it has not come," he told the House drawing angry protests from Opposition BJP which had piloted the motion.
He, however, said he was prepared for a discussion.
Deputy Leader of BJP Ravishankar Prasad said a notice in this regard was given days back and the minister should have come prepared.
Soon, the minister was provided with the written statement and he began to read it.
But another BJP member Najma Heptulla pointed out that members have not been given copies of the statement.
"We should get the copy both in Hindi and English before the minister reads it out. First of all the minister did not receive the statement, then the members have not received it," she said, supported by fellow party members.
P J Kurien, who was in the Chair, also said the point raised by the Opposition members is "valid" and that the statement should have been circulated in advance.
Prasad said, "First he (Shinde) did not have a copy. Now we do not have a copy. The government is treating the issue in a casual manner." (MORE)
