The political confrontation over the police crackdown on the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests intensified in Parliament on Thursday, with Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, launching a sharp attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kharge questioned Shah’s absence from Parliament during the debate and demanded that he directly respond to allegations surrounding the handling of the student demonstrations.
Kharge Questions Shah’s Silence
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Kharge accused the government of avoiding accountability on an issue that has sparked nationwide political debate. He asked why the Home Minister had not appeared in Parliament to explain the Centre’s position on the police action against students participating in the CJP-led protests.
In a strongly worded remark, Kharge questioned whether “someone had stitched your mouth shut,” suggesting that Shah’s silence had raised serious concerns within the Opposition.
According to Congress leaders, the Home Minister should personally clarify the government’s role in the police operation instead of allowing the issue to remain unanswered.
Opposition Steps Up Pressure
The Congress has continued to demand a detailed discussion in Parliament over the police action during the July 20 protests linked to the CJP movement. Opposition parties argue that students exercising their democratic right to protest were subjected to excessive force and deserve accountability.
The issue has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in both Houses, with Opposition MPs demanding answers from the government and seeking a comprehensive statement from the Home Minister.
Kharge maintained that Parliament is the appropriate forum for addressing such serious allegations and said the government should not avoid debate on matters affecting democratic rights.
Government Rejects Allegations
The Centre has firmly rejected accusations of excessive force during the protests.
Government representatives have maintained that security personnel acted only to maintain law and order after protesters attempted to violate restrictions. Officials also denied claims that live ammunition was used, stating that only tear gas and crowd-control measures were employed.
The BJP has accused the Congress of spreading misinformation for political gains and has demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi over his allegations against the Home Minister.
Rahul Gandhi Also Targets Home Minister
Kharge’s remarks came a day after Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi mounted a similar attack on Amit Shah.
Rahul questioned why the Home Minister had not appeared before Parliament to defend the government’s actions and alleged that the silence reflected an unwillingness to answer difficult questions.
The Congress leader also reiterated his demand for Shah’s resignation and called for an independent, Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the police action during the protests.
Political Battle Over CJP Protests
The controversy stems from the nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which emerged following public outrage over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and broader concerns regarding educational reforms.
Large demonstrations in Delhi culminated in clashes between protesters and security personnel after restrictions were imposed on a planned march toward Parliament.
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The Opposition has described the police response as an assault on democratic freedoms, while the government insists that security agencies acted within the law to prevent disorder in sensitive areas of the national capital.
Parliament Continues to Witness Heated Exchanges
The issue has dominated proceedings during the current Parliament session, with repeated adjournments amid noisy protests by Opposition members.
Congress leaders have demanded a full debate under rules allowing extensive discussion, while the government has defended its handling of the situation and accused the Opposition of politicising the protests.
As both sides continue to trade allegations, the controversy is expected to remain one of the biggest flashpoints of the ongoing Parliament session.
With the Opposition pressing for direct answers from Amit Shah and the government standing by its version of events, the political battle over the CJP crackdown shows little sign of easing.
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