Priyanka Gandhi questions police action on student protesters in Parliament debate

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, during a debate in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, criticised the government's handling of student protests in Delhi, questioning the use of force against demonstrators. Speaking on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, she said the Prime Minister needed to reconsider his approach towards the youth.

Recalling a visit to a Delhi hospital to meet the mother of a critically injured student, Priyanka expressed displeasure over VIP visits to the site. She asked why pellet guns and AK-47 rifles were used against students, and demanded to know who authorised the action.

The debate took place after the House resumed normal business following a week-long logjam over the protests. The bill seeks to amend the 2024 law to make provisions against exam malpractices more stringent.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, presenting the bill, cited past paper leaks during the previous Congress-led UPA government, including the 2009 Railway Recruitment Board exam, 2011 All India Engineering exam, and 2012 AIIMS Delhi paper leak. He also mentioned leaks in states ruled by opposition parties.

Priyanka countered that no action had been taken under the 2024 law, and accused the government of using face recognition to identify protesters while not doing the same for those involved in paper leaks. She called for the government to save its reputation, correct its intentions, and treat its arrogance.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav likened the police action to the Emergency era, saying batons were used then as well. The bill was eventually passed after the debate.