Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has said that the Opposition is ready to participate in a discussion on the government's proposed anti-paper leak bill, but said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should first make a statement in Parliament about the police action against youngsters during recent students' protests.
In Parliament, Kharge said, “We are not afraid to talk about the anti-paper leak bill, but Amit Shah must give a statement in Parliament over police action on youngsters during the protest."
“Not afraid to discuss anti-paper leak bill but Amit Shah must give a statement in Parliament over police action on youngsters during protest.”
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) July 27, 2026
- Mallikarjun Kharge pic.twitter.com/KNywNoSeib
He spoke at a time when Parliament is still disrupted in the course of business, and the government and the Opposition are at odds on the order of business. Although the Centre has pushed for a focus on anti-paper leak legislation, opposition parties have insisted that student protests be addressed first.
Kharge's statement was a direct response to allegations by the government that the Opposition was deliberately stalling debate on the proposed legislation. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier accused Opposition members of preventing discussion despite sufficient time being allotted for the bill.
Kharge denied that criticism and said that the Opposition would not object to debating the legislation itself. Rather, he said Parliament should first hear the government’s explanation of how the police handled protests by students demanding reforms in the education system.
The Congress and several other Opposition parties have claimed excessive force was used against protesters during demonstrations held in different parts of the country. They have said water cannons were used, tear gas was used, baton charges were made and police used other forms of crowd control to control crowds. The Opposition has called for the government to respond and for a detailed statement from the Home Minister.
The government, on the other hand, has defended its legislative agenda, describing the anti-paper leak bill as a crucial reform intended to improve the integrity of public examinations and prevent question paper leaks. Ministers have encouraged all political parties to have a constructive debate on the proposed law, explaining that it is to safeguard the interests of students and job aspirants.
The proposed legislation seeks to introduce stricter penalties for individuals and organized groups involved in examination malpractices, paper leaks, and related offences. The Centre said a stronger legal system will help restore confidence in recruitment exams and admissions in the country.
As the stalemate continues, both sides are firm in their positions. The government will maintain that legislative business should not be interrupted, and the Opposition will insist that those issues concerning protesting students are not to be left out of Parliament.
With the Monsoon session repeatedly adjourned, the future of the anti-paper leak bill may be determined by whether the government will agree to the demand from the Opposition for the Home Minister to make a statement. The issue will remain a main point of contention as Parliament goes on in the next few days.
