Last Updated:
The Opposition accused the government of failing to address alleged police excesses against students.
The government accused the Opposition of obstructing debate on legislation that directly concerns students and examination reforms. (Photo: PTI)
The first week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament was largely washed out amid protests over the student agitation that swept parts of the country. Even after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister—a key demand of the Opposition—both Houses witnessed repeated adjournments on Monday as Opposition MPs continued their protests and sloganeering.
While the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which spearheaded the agitation, has called off its protests following Pradhan’s resignation, Opposition parties have shifted their focus to the alleged assault on students during the July 20 demonstrations in Delhi and other parts of the country.
The disruptions came on a day when the government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha. The proposed legislation seeks to tighten penalties for organised paper leaks and examination-related fraud, prescribing imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹10 crore for those involved in cheating rackets.
In the Rajya Sabha, a motion was moved to take up discussion on the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. However, proceedings could not move forward amid the continuing deadlock.
What Is Opposition Demanding?
The Opposition accused the government of failing to address alleged police excesses against students. Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said the party had submitted a notice seeking suspension of business to discuss the issue.
“We have moved a suspension of business motion notice in Parliament that the responsibility for the attack on children in Delhi on July 20 lies with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Even today, an atmosphere of fear persists in the minds of the students. Why is police action being taken against those students who were protesting? We want the Union Home Minister to respond to this,” Gogoi said.
He further alleged that Opposition leaders were being prevented from meeting injured students undergoing treatment in hospitals.
Echoing the demand in the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Pawan Khera said the Opposition was seeking a statement from the Home Minister on what he described as continued attacks on students.
“Our demand is very clear: the Union Home Minister must come to the House and make a statement. The voices of the students, which are being raised here through the Opposition, must be heard. But the government is refusing to do so. That is why Parliament could not function once again,” Khera said.
The government, however, accused the Opposition of obstructing debate on legislation that directly concerns students and examination reforms.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said members across party lines had prepared extensively for the discussion on the Public Examinations Amendment Bill.
“This is an important Bill, one that is vital for the lives of children, youth and students. Yet the Congress party and some of its allies are deliberately preventing a discussion on such an important Bill,” Rijiju said, adding that despite demanding a discussion on examination reforms earlier, Opposition parties were now disrupting proceedings when the Bill had been brought up for debate.
With the Opposition insisting on a discussion over the alleged attacks on students and the government pressing ahead with its legislative agenda, Parliament remained deadlocked despite the resignation of Pradhan, raising questions over when normal proceedings will resume.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
Read More
