A stormy exchange of words ensued in the Lok Sabha (Parliament) on Wednesday after Leader of Opposition (LoP) and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had directed the authorities to use force against students during the NEET protest demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. However, his remarks triggered a fierce backlash from the Treasury benches, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded that Gandhi substantiate his claims.

Gandhi’s remarks came against the backdrop of weeks of political stand-off over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak, over which, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and scores of students staged protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The opposition parties have repeatedly accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government of mishandling the issue and using excessive force against demonstrators, such as tear gas shells, water cannons and lathicharges. 

What were Gandhi’s allegations?

Addressing the House, Gandhi alleged that Home Minister Shah was responsible for authorising the use of force against the students protesting against education system irregularities. He asserted, “The Home Minister ordered the shooting of our students. He put pellets into the blood of our students. He ordered the students of India to be shot.” 

Continuing his attack, he said the use of such force can only be authorised by the Home Minister or the Prime Minister. 

Earlier in his speech, Gandhi also took exception to Shah’s absence from the Lok Sabha, claiming that the minister lacked the courage to attend the proceedings. He referred to Shah’s motorcade, alleging that he had seen Minister Shah sitting inside his vehicle and suggested that he was avoiding the House as he was ‘scared.’

Notably, political tensions had flared after the CJP-led ‘Sansad Chalo’ march held on July 20 in the national capital. The controversy surrounding the alleged use of pellet guns during the protest intensified after an entry in the Parliament Street Police Station diary reportedly confirmed their deployment. 

BJP seeks proof, demands apology

After Gandhi’s contentious remarks, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to the allegations vehemently, questioning the basis for his claims. He asked, “You are making such a serious allegation without any basis. On what grounds are you saying this? Who told you this?,” urging the Lok Sabha Speaker to expunge the remarks from the official record.

Furthermore, he demanded an apology from Gandhi, contending that making unfounded allegations against the Home Minister amounted to a breach of parliamentary privilege and responsibility. 

‘Andhbhakt’ remarks add to uproar

The debate further heated up after Gandhi slammed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that it exerted huge influence over India’s education system. He claimed former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had merely been a symbolic figure while opining that the RSS controlled the ministry’s functioning. 

Gandhi also referred to ‘andhbhakts’ (blind supporters) while recounting a conversation with a student, drawing immediate flak from ruling party’s MPs. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla termed the language ‘unparliamentary’ and Gandhi’s remarks were then expunged from the official proceedings.