Rijiju and Congress clash over anti-paper leak Bill debate in Lok Sabha

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday accused opposition parties of diverting attention from the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, by raising unrelated issues during the debate in the Lok Sabha.

The Bill, aimed at curbing paper leaks and other unfair practices in public examinations, was introduced by the government as a measure to safeguard student welfare. A discussion on the Bill began in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Opposition leaders, including Congress MPs, criticised the government over the lathi-charge on protesters during a march to Parliament on July 20, led by the Central Judicial Panel. They argued that the government's actions undermined the dignity of the youth.

Speaking to reporters, Rijiju said, 'Congress leaders did not speak on the Bill at all. They were only doing politics. We hope Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders will speak on the Bill today.'

He added that the Bill was a response to student demands and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision had instilled confidence among students. The Minister also urged the Congress to share any suggestions on the examination system.

Rijiju specifically noted that Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra spoke entirely outside the scope of the Bill, along with other opposition MPs. He expressed hope that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi would devote at least five minutes of his speech to the Bill.

Rijiju also criticised Rahul Gandhi's choice of words in political attacks, calling them 'abusive and demeaning' and inconsistent with parliamentary discourse. He emphasised the need for civilised language in democracy.

The Opposition has not yet responded to Rijiju's remarks. The debate on the Bill is expected to continue in the coming days.