Rajya Sabha Proceeds with Business as Opposition Protests Police Crackdown

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday continued its Zero Hour and Question Hour proceedings during the Monsoon Session, despite protests and a walkout by Opposition members over a police crackdown on student demonstrators in Delhi.

When the House met at 11 am, Chairman C P Radhakrishnan informed members that the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, would be taken up for consideration. The Bill, which aims to strengthen action against paper leaks, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. It includes provisions for setting up special fast-track courts for related offences. The Chairman called for amendments and notices on the Bill by noon.

Opposition members, led by Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah be present in the House to issue a statement on the police action against youth and students protesting paper leaks at Jantar Mantar. Tiwari argued that it is appropriate for ministers to be answerable to Parliament on matters involving the use of force. However, the Chairman did not heed the request and proceeded with Zero Hour.

As members raised issues, Opposition members chanted slogans calling for Amit Shah to come to the House. Tiwari again sought the Chairman's intervention, but without success. At this point, Leader of the House J P Nadda intervened, criticising the Opposition for what he termed a negative stance throughout the session. He accused them of interrupting proceedings and shifting goalposts, and stated that the government was willing to discuss any matter. He condemned the Opposition's behaviour as irresponsible.

Later, the Opposition staged a walkout. During Question Hour, members asked questions on biodiversity protection, labour welfare, and campaigns against drug addiction to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.