Lok Sabha Disrupted After Rahul Gandhi Accuses Amit Shah Over Student Protests; Government Demands Apology

The Lok Sabha witnessed disruptions on Wednesday after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of ordering police action against students who were protesting for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The government rejected the allegations and demanded an apology.

During a debate on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Gandhi alleged that Shah had directed police to use force against student protesters on July 20 in Delhi. The remarks triggered protests from treasury benches, with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju demanding that Gandhi substantiate his claims.

“You are the Leader of the Opposition. Speak with seriousness. On what basis did you make this statement? How can he say that someone ordered firing? It is a breach of his own position and privilege,” Rijiju said, urging Gandhi to withdraw the remarks.

Speaker Om Birla also intervened, cautioning Gandhi to base his statements on facts and maintain the dignity of the House. Despite this, Opposition members raised slogans in support of Gandhi, leading to noisy scenes and eventual adjournment.

Outside the House, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal defended Gandhi’s stance, stating that the Delhi Police operates under the Home Ministry. “The Home Minister has to come to the House and explain that he did not order this. When the LoP is raising this issue, they are not allowing him to speak,” Venugopal said.

In his speech, Gandhi praised the protesting students for their courage, saying they refused to become “andhbhakts” (blind followers) despite pressure. He alleged that the RSS exerts control over the education system, claiming that universities have RSS-linked vice-chancellors. He also targeted Education Minister Pradhan, suggesting that the ministry is effectively run by the RSS.

BJP MPs strongly objected to Gandhi’s remarks, particularly his use of the term “andhbhakt” and his criticism of the RSS. Rijiju reiterated that the government stands by its actions and accused Gandhi of making baseless allegations to disrupt Parliament.

The confrontation highlights the ongoing political tension over student protests and the handling of law enforcement in the national capital.