The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday accused Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of spreading “false” and “misleading” claims after he alleged that AK-47 rifles were used against student protesters during demonstrations in Bihar. The ruling party demanded an apology from Gandhi, accusing him of attempting to create unrest and “manufacture a protest”. The BJP’s reaction came after Gandhi posted on social media platform X claiming that reports indicated AK-47 rifles had been used against students protesting in Bihar. He also alleged that hundreds of protesters had been arrested and booked, and called for action against those responsible for the alleged incident.

Responding to Gandhi’s remarks, BJP national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sambit Patra criticised the Congress leader and called his statement “deeply unfortunate”. Speaking to reporters at the Parliament House complex, Patra accused Gandhi of making irresponsible allegations without proper verification. “It is a matter of great shame that the Leader of the Opposition has shown such irresponsibility. How can Rahul Gandhi claim that AK-47 rifles were used against protesters? Police in this country have never used AK-47s in such a manner. He should apologise to the nation for spreading such falsehoods,” Patra said.

The controversy follows protests during the July 25 ‘Bihar Bandh’, which witnessed demonstrations by student organisations across several districts. The shutdown was marked by clashes between protesters and police at some locations, with authorities taking action after incidents reported during the demonstrations. The political row intensified after a video showing a Bihar Police constable allegedly holding an AK-47 during protests in Siwan district went viral. Following the circulation of the footage, the Bihar Police Headquarters took note of the matter and suspended the constable pending further investigation.

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The BJP, however, rejected the suggestion that police used AK-47 rifles against protesters, arguing that Gandhi’s statement misrepresented the incident. The party accused him of using the issue for political purposes and creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. The Congress has not withdrawn Gandhi’s remarks and has continued to demand accountability over the alleged use of force during the protests. The party has argued that authorities must investigate the circumstances surrounding the viral video and take action against any officials found responsible.

The incident has triggered a wider political debate over the handling of student protests in Bihar and the conduct of law enforcement agencies during demonstrations. While opposition leaders have raised concerns over alleged police action, the state authorities have maintained that any misconduct by personnel will be examined. The matter is likely to remain a point of confrontation between the BJP and opposition parties, with both sides accusing each other of politicising the issue. Further developments are expected as investigations into the Siwan incident continue.

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