Opposition protests in Parliament over police action on students
New Delhi: The Opposition on Thursday intensified its attack on the Centre over the alleged police action against students protesting the NEET paper leak issue, staging a noisy demonstration inside the Parliament House complex and disrupting proceedings in the Lok Sabha, which was adjourned till 2 pm amid persistent sloganeering.
Leaders of the Congress and several opposition parties gathered at the steps of the Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex, raising slogans of “Who gave the orders?” as they accused the government of unleashing “police brutality” on students who had assembled at Jantar Mantar to demand accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The demonstration was led by Congress general secretary and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was joined by several MPs, including Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi and Congress Lok Sabha MP Sanjana Jatav, along with lawmakers from other Opposition parties. AThe MPs carried large banners and placards demanding accountability for the police action and sought an official apology from union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In the Rajya Sabha, Congress president and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded the resignation of Amit Shah over the alleged police crackdown. He launched a sharp attack on the Centre during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling the proposed amendments “hogwash” for failing to address systemic issues behind examination malpractices. Holding Amit Shah directly responsible for the police action at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Kharge condemned the use of tear gas, lathi-charge, and other coercive measures against students demanding justice.
He called for Shah to either resign or appear before Parliament to explain the conduct of law enforcement and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into the alleged police excesses. Kharge expressed solidarity with the protesting students, accusing the government of attempting to silence youth voices instead of addressing their concerns. “The youth are asking for justice for their future. Instead of listening, they are being beaten and suppressed. Is this how a democratic government treats students?” he questioned.
He called for comprehensive reforms and urged the government to implement recommendations of the K Radhakrishnan Committee and overhaul agencies like the National Testing Agency (NTA) to restore trust in the examination system. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the government’s delayed response, asking why action was taken only after nationwide protests and public outrage.
The protest comes amid sustained Opposition attacks over the Centre’s handling of the examination controversy and follows repeated allegations that students protesting the NEET paper leak were subjected to excessive force by the Delhi Police during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. Opposition parties have alleged that peaceful protesters were lathi-charged and detained, charges that the government has rejected.
Inside the Lok Sabha, proceedings were repeatedly disrupted as Opposition members continued to press for a discussion on the alleged police excesses and broader concerns surrounding examination reforms.