Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday rejected the government’s offer to discuss student-related issues in Parliament. He said the Opposition wants Union Home Minister Amit Shah to answer a specific question: who authorised the police action against protesting students in Delhi on June 20?
Gandhi said the Opposition was not asking Shah to make a general speech. Instead, it wants clarity on whether he personally approved the alleged use of force, including firing, against the protesters.
“If he ordered it, he is guilty. If he did not know about it, he is incompetent,” Gandhi said, arguing that either situation raised questions about Shah’s responsibility.
Opposition Lists Three Demands
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the Opposition’s demands were “non-negotiable”. They include a discussion on the alleged police action against students, the alleged irregularities and paper leaks in examinations, and allegations concerning donations linked to the Ram temple.
Kharge said the Opposition wants the government to respond to all three issues.
Gandhi Condemns Jharkhand Action
Gandhi also criticised the use of force against student protesters in Jharkhand. Police in Ranchi used water cannons, tear gas and lathis after job aspirants crossed barricades while protesting recruitment-related grievances.
Gandhi said peaceful protests should not be met with violence and urged the Jharkhand government to resolve the students’ concerns through dialogue.
Parliament Deadlock Continues
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready for a detailed discussion on student issues and that Shah would respond to the Opposition.
However, Gandhi said this did not address the Opposition’s central demand. With only four days left in the Monsoon Session, disruptions in both Houses continue to create uncertainty over pending legislative business.