NEW DELHI: The Congress-led opposition is set to keep up the pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET-UG paper leak, with demands for action against those responsible for the assault and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources quoted by news agency PTI said on Sunday.The opposition’s floor strategy, including its stand on the proposed amendment to the anti-paper leak law, will be finalised at a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders in Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s chamber on Monday morning, the sources said.The developments come ahead of what is expected to be a heated debate in Parliament over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which has been listed for introduction, consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
Rahul Gandhi seeks answers from Amit Shah
Ahead of the Parliament session, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for what he described as the “barbaric assault” on peacefully protesting students and questioning whether the home minister had authorised the use of “lethal force”, including pellet guns.In the letter, the Congress MP said peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and it is the government’s responsibility to protect protesters and address their grievances through dialogue.“Such brutal violence destroys every norm, and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard,” he wrote.Sharing the letter on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Gandhi had asked Shah two questions: “As the Home Minister, did you authorise the use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against students? If not, who granted this authorisation? Are the individuals seen raining blows on students while dressed in plain clothes, police personnel or volunteers? Who authorised their deployment?”“The home minister must answer these crucial questions in Parliament tomorrow. The prime minister should apologise to the students,” Ramesh added.Rahul had earlier alleged that security personnel used pellet guns, tear gas and batons against peaceful protesters during the July 20 march to Parliament.He also referred to 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, claiming the youth could lose an eye after allegedly being struck by pellets. Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns during the protest, while the CRPF has not responded to the allegation.
Opposition to decide stand on anti-paper leak bill
The Congress has described education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as a victory for students but has maintained that Prime Minister Modi should also apologise over the alleged police action.Kharge has said it is now the prime minister’s turn to apologise and take strict action against those responsible for using lathis, batons and pellet guns against protesting students.After Pradhan’s resignation, Rahul also urged PM Modi to apologise to students “out of respect for the future of the country” and for the alleged “atrocities” committed during the protests.“This is not the end. We still await the prime minister’s apology to our students,” Ramesh said, reiterating the demand for accountability for those responsible for the alleged excesses.A heated debate on the paper leak issue is likely if the government and opposition can resolve the ongoing deadlock in both Houses of Parliament.The opposition will also decide whether to support the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.The proposed legislation seeks to tighten punishments for examination-related offences. Individuals involved in paper leaks or other unfair means would face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh. Organised crimes related to examination fraud would attract a minimum seven-year jail term and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.The existing law prescribes imprisonment of three to five years for cheating-related offences, while organised exam fraud currently attracts five to 10 years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.Asked on Saturday whether the Congress would support the new bill, Rahul said the party would take a decision only after consultations with other opposition parties.“The Congress party has a central principle. We will decide this during a meeting of opposition parties and a decision will be based on opposition consensus. In Parliament, that is our discipline, and that is our way of functioning,” he said.The government announced the proposed amendments after student protests over the NEET-UG paper leak intensified across the country. Prime Minister Modi has also promised fast-track courts and stricter punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which spearheaded the agitation, called off its 36-day protest on Saturday after the resignation of the education minister and the government’s acceptance of its other demands.