India Government Agrees to Parliamentary Debate on Student Protests, Police Crackdown
NEW DELHI, Aug. 10, 2026
Rijiju said Home Minister Amit Shah was ready to address Parliament on the matter, while urging opposition lawmakers not to disrupt proceedings when the government responds.
“The government is ready for a full and detailed discussion on the student protests and all related issues,” Rijiju told reporters.
He said his only request was that opposition lawmakers allow the Home Minister and the government to present their response without creating a situation that would prevent them from speaking.
The government’s position comes amid mounting criticism from opposition leaders over the police response to student demonstrations, including allegations of excessive use of force.
Rahul Gandhi criticises government response
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticised Home Minister Amit Shah over the police response to the protests in an article published by The Hindu newspaper.
Gandhi alleged that the Home Ministry had neither ordered an investigation into the police action against protesters nor issued a detailed statement on the matter. He also claimed that opposition attempts to raise the issue in Parliament had repeatedly been rejected.
According to Gandhi, police used tear gas, batons and pellet guns against students in New Delhi. He alleged that several students were seriously injured and that women protesters were also subjected to baton charges.
He further alleged that police used force against underage students.
Gandhi also raised allegations concerning student protests in Siwan, Bihar, including claims that firearms, including AK-47 rifles, were used during the unrest. He questioned who had authorised what he described as unlawful and unconstitutional violence.
The allegations have not been independently established in the information provided for this report.
Protests began over examination irregularities
The student demonstrations in New Delhi began following allegations of examination paper leaks and irregularities in examinations.
On July 20, a large group of protesters who had gathered at Jantar Mantar attempted to march towards Parliament, leading to a confrontation with police.
Police used tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse the protesters, according to the account provided. The situation subsequently escalated into clashes between police and demonstrators, with several protesters detained.
Opposition parties have since demanded that Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement in Parliament explaining the police operation.
Opposition presses for Home Minister's statement
Last week, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called in the Rajya Sabha for a statement from Shah on the July 20 police action.
Rijiju responded at the time that opposition parties could not decide when a particular minister should appear in Parliament and speak.
He also rejected opposition claims that Shah had been absent from Parliament.
According to Rijiju, the Home Minister comes to the Parliament complex every day and remains there from morning until late at night.
Rijiju accused opposition lawmakers of sometimes raising slogans and leaving Parliament without listening to the government's response. He urged them instead to allow proceedings to continue and hear the government's position.
Political tensions could intensify
The government's willingness to allow a detailed debate marks a new development in the dispute over the student protests and the police response.
The opposition has been demanding greater accountability from the government, particularly over the alleged use of force against protesters and the circumstances surrounding the July 20 confrontation.
The focus will now turn to Parliament, where opposition lawmakers are expected to press the government over the allegations and the handling of the student movement.
Whether Amit Shah provides a detailed response and how the opposition responds during the debate could determine the next stage of the political confrontation over the protests, examination irregularities and the conduct of law enforcement agencies.
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