New Delhi, Jul 29: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday triggered a heated exchange in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Bill to amend the anti-paper leak law, accusing the government of mishandling student protests and alleging that the RSS had influence over the education system.
Raising the issue of the July 20 march to Parliament over the NEET paper leak controversy, Gandhi alleged that Home Minister Amit Shah had authorised police action against protesting students. His remarks drew strong objections from the treasury benches.
Speaker Om Birla intervened and said the discussion was focused on the legislation and not the Home Minister. He asked Gandhi to provide evidence to support his allegations.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to the remarks and questioned the basis of Gandhi’s claims, asking him to withdraw the allegations.
Gandhi also launched a sharp attack on the RSS, alleging that it had “captured” the education system and influenced what students were taught. He criticised the government’s approach to education and said students were being encouraged to accept a particular version of history.
Speaking about the student protests over the NEET paper leak issue, Gandhi said they reflected the concerns of young people and should be respected by all political parties.
“This was not anger, violence or hatred; it was an expression of the youth of this country,” he said, adding that the protests represented broader concerns about the education system.
During his speech, Gandhi also shared an account of his interaction with students, describing a student as someone with an open mind and humility who accepts that knowledge evolves continuously.
He contrasted this with what he described as people who believe they know everything and do not accept differing viewpoints. His remarks led to further objections in the House, with the Speaker directing that any unparliamentary expressions be removed from the proceedings.
Gandhi said the concerns raised by students went beyond examinations and reflected deeper questions about the education system, knowledge and the future of young people.
