Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi accused the Union government over the recent student protests, alleging that he was not allowed to fully present his views in Parliament. Addressing a press conference, he said Union Home Minister Amit Shah was responsible for the alleged police action against students in Delhi and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove the Home Minister from office.
His remarks came after both Houses of Parliament passed the Public Examinations Amendment Bill (Anti-Paper Leak Bill), amid a nationwide political debate over the examination system.
At the press conference, Rahul Gandhi alleged that he was repeatedly interrupted when he attempted to raise the issue of students in Parliament and was not given an opportunity to complete his remarks.
He claimed that excessive force was used against protesters during the recent student demonstrations. He alleged that students were subjected to baton charges and pellet guns were used. He also said he had seen medical documents relating to students who were allegedly injured. These claims have not been independently or officially verified.
Rahul Gandhi said law and order in Delhi and the accountability of central security agencies fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs. On that basis, he held Home Minister Amit Shah responsible for the alleged incidents.
He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove the Home Minister if accountability for the alleged action against students was to be established impartially. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the actions of the security forces were carried out under the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs. There was no immediate official response from the government to these allegations.
Rahul Gandhi further alleged that students were treated harshly during the protests and that force was also used against women. He also claimed that some individuals present at the protest sites were not wearing police uniforms and suggested they could have been associated with political organisations. However, he did not present any public evidence in support of this claim, and it has not been independently verified.
During the press conference, Rahul Gandhi said he had written to Home Minister Amit Shah on July 25 seeking answers regarding the alleged action against students. According to him, he has not received a response. He said that in a democratic system, questions raised by elected representatives should receive a reply.
Before the press conference, Rahul Gandhi also posted on social media platform X, stating that he had not been allowed to speak on the issue of students in Parliament. He said he decided to address the media so he could present before the public the points he was unable to make in the House. He added that voices could be stopped, but students' demands could not be suppressed.
During the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, Rahul Gandhi expressed support for the recent student protests. He said young people had raised concerns about their future and the education system through democratic means.
According to Rahul Gandhi, students' concerns should be heard seriously, and concrete measures should be taken to improve transparency and accountability in the education system.
Rahul Gandhi also criticised the government's handling of the education sector, saying education was becoming increasingly expensive and commercialised.
He claimed that preparing for several competitive examinations imposed a significant financial burden on students and their families. According to him, education should provide equal opportunities rather than deepen economic inequality.
Meanwhile, both Houses of Parliament have passed the Public Examinations Amendment Bill. The government has said the legislation is intended to improve transparency in the examination system, prevent paper leaks and ensure strict action against those responsible.
The Opposition has argued that legislation alone will not resolve the issue and has said reforms to examination processes, institutional accountability and restoring students' confidence are equally necessary.
Following Rahul Gandhi's allegations, the issues of student protests, the education system and law and order have moved to the centre of the national political debate. While the Opposition is seeking accountability from the government, the government has presented examination reforms and the new legal framework as measures to address the problem.
