Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday rejected the government’s offer to discuss student-related issues in Parliament, calling the proposal a “fantasy conversation.” He demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah first clarify whether he authorised the alleged use of force against students protesting in Delhi on June 20.

Gandhi said the Opposition was not seeking a general speech from the Home Minister but a specific answer about who approved the police action. He alleged that pellet guns were fired and students were beaten with batons, and argued that Shah must accept responsibility if he authorised the action. If the Home Minister was unaware of it, Gandhi said, that would indicate incompetence. The allegations have not been independently established, and the government has not accepted the Opposition’s account.

The Congress leader listed three principal demands being raised by the Opposition. These included an explanation from Shah about the alleged police action, an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and answers regarding alleged theft involving the Ram Mandir. Gandhi claimed that people close to the Prime Minister were involved in the alleged wrongdoing, although he did not present evidence supporting the accusation in his remarks.

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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also demanded an explanation for the alleged use of pellet guns, tear gas and batons against students. He repeated the party’s allegations concerning the Ram Mandir and called for an apology from the Prime Minister. Gandhi separately condemned the use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand and urged the state government to continue engaging with them and resolve their concerns promptly.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was prepared for a detailed discussion on student issues and that Shah would respond to every point raised by the Opposition. He urged Opposition members to allow the debate and the Home Minister’s reply to proceed without disruption. Gandhi, however, maintained that a broader discussion could begin only after Shah directly answered who authorised the alleged firing in Delhi.

The dispute has repeatedly disrupted the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session, which began on July 20. Congress leader KC Venugopal also wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking a comprehensive statement from Shah, arguing that the Delhi Police operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. With only days remaining in the session, the deadlock has created uncertainty around several proposed legislative measures, while the Congress has instructed its MPs to remain present in Parliament.

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