‘Who Authorised Force?’ Rahul Gandhi Questions Amit Shah Over Student Protest

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police response to students who participated in the July 20 protest march linked to the NEET paper leak.

Addressing journalists outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition was seeking specific answers about the police action rather than listening to what he called speeches or explanations. He asked who authorised the use of force against the protesting students and sought clarification over allegations of injuries during the demonstration.

Rahul Gandhi said the Delhi Police functions under the Union Home Ministry and argued that Shah therefore needed to accept responsibility for the events surrounding the protest.

The Congress leader said Shah should step down if he had authorised the alleged firing against students. He added that Shah should also face questions over his competence if he had not issued such an instruction.

Rahul Gandhi expressed frustration with journalists who questioned him about Shah’s offer to hold a debate. He further accused sections of the media of directing repeated questions towards Opposition leaders while failing to challenge Ministers and members of the government with similar intensity.

Leader of the Opposition used a ‘mouse’ reference while criticising what he described as the media’s reluctance to question those in power.

Rahul Gandhi urged journalists to remain fearless while covering the controversy surrounding the student protests.

The LoP questioned Shah’s participation in parliamentary proceedings and alleged that the Home Minister had stayed away from the House for an extended period. He claimed that the Opposition had repeatedly sought Shah’s response but had not received the accountability it was demanding.

The disagreement has contributed to repeated interruptions during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Shah’s Response

Amit Shah has rejected claims that he has avoided Parliament, saying he has attended the Monsoon Session regularly.

The Home Minister said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had already conveyed the government’s willingness to conduct a comprehensive discussion on the student protests.

Shah maintained that the government had accepted the Opposition’s initial demand for a debate and reiterated his readiness to answer questions about the issue in Parliament.

Also Read: ‘Let Parliament Function’: Amit Shah Challenges Opposition; Offers Debate On Student Protest