NEW DELHI, AUGUST 09, 2026 : Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s alleged silence over claims of police brutality against students protesting over the paper-leak issue.
Gandhi said a student had told him during his “Chhatron ki Goonj” event in Prayagraj on Saturday that he felt he had “no options left”.
Sharing the student’s account on social media, Gandhi said years of preparation, the sale of family land and mounting parental debt had still failed to produce the desired outcome.
🎓 “This Is the Failure of a System”
Gandhi argued that the situation should not be viewed simply as an individual failure.
According to him, the student’s struggle reflects what he described as the failure of a system that has not adequately rewarded hard work and perseverance.
He also questioned why, several days after students ended their protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, there had allegedly been no statement from the Home Minister regarding the action taken by Delhi Police during the agitation.
🗣️ Rahul Gandhi Demands Accountability
Gandhi accused the authorities of using force against young protesters and said the opposition would continue to demand accountability.
He directly addressed Amit Shah, asserting that the Home Minister would eventually have to answer for the alleged police action.
Gandhi maintained that students represent the future and strength of the nation, adding that he would continue to stand with them.
🏛️ Parliament Remains Deadlocked
The issue has also contributed to continued disruption in Parliament, with opposition parties demanding that Amit Shah make a statement in both Houses regarding the alleged police action during the students’ July 20 protest over the paper-leak issue.
Much of the legislative business has reportedly been conducted amid protests and disruptions.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had also criticised Shah over his absence from the Rajya Sabha during discussions surrounding the issue.
⚖️ Government Rejects Opposition’s Demand
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in the Lok Sabha on Friday that the opposition could not dictate which minister should appear in the House and respond to its questions.
The remarks came amid continued demands from the Congress and other opposition parties for Amit Shah to respond to questions concerning the police action against protesting students.
🇮🇳 Rahul Gandhi Hails Youth on IYC Foundation Day
Earlier on Sunday, Gandhi also greeted members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on the organisation’s foundation day.
He described India’s youth as the country’s greatest strength and said the organisation had a legacy of giving young people a platform to raise their concerns and fight for their rights and aspirations.
Gandhi further said that at a time when young Indians are confronting what he described as a system stacked against them, the Indian Youth Congress would continue to stand with them.
