New Delhi, Jul 29: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday rejected Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had ordered police to open fire on students protesting over the NEET paper leak issue, asserting that no bullets were fired during the demonstrations in the national capital.
Replying to the debate on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, Singh said Gandhi’s allegations were baseless and reflected a lack of understanding of administrative procedures.
“The first and fundamental point is that no shots were fired. When no bullets were fired, the question of anyone ordering firing does not arise,” Singh said, adding, “The authority to order firing rests with a magistrate, not with a minister.”
He clarified that security forces used only tear gas to disperse protesters during the demonstrations and strongly defended Home Minister Amit Shah against the allegations.
Taking a swipe at the Leader of the Opposition, Singh said Gandhi failed to substantiate his claims and accused him of making irresponsible statements in Parliament.
Responding to Gandhi’s allegation that Shah’s convoy comprised 30 vehicles, Singh dismissed the claim and remarked that the Congress leader “does not even know how to count.”
He also rejected Gandhi’s assertion that the Home Minister was abroad, stating that Shah had not undertaken any foreign visit.
“Making statements in the House without facts and then leaving cannot be the conduct expected of a responsible Leader of the Opposition,” Singh said.
Earlier in the debate, Rahul Gandhi alleged that Amit Shah had authorised police excesses against students protesting over the NEET paper leak and claimed the Home Minister had approved the use of force during the July 20 march to Parliament led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
“The Home Minister is not here today because he is scared,” Gandhi said, triggering protests from treasury bench members.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened, reminding Gandhi that the discussion was on the examination bill and not the Home Minister. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also objected to the remarks, asking Gandhi to substantiate his allegations and apologise.
