Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This demand arose in response to the police actions taken against students who protested against recent paper leaks. During the discussions regarding the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, Kharge raised critical questions regarding the force used against students, suggesting a need for accountability.

Kharge questioned the authorisation behind the police’s use of lathi charges, tear gas, and pellet guns. He pressed for answers about individuals in plainclothes reportedly involved in assaulting students and sought clarification on the commanding orders for the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). “If the Home Minister cannot answer these questions, he should resign,” Kharge stated during his address.

During his speech, Kharge also indicated that if Shah did not step down voluntarily, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take action to remove him from his position. Kharge asserted that the government’s efforts to protect Shah would eventually fall short.

Protests Result in Student Injuries

Kharge reported that more than 100 students were injured during the protests in Delhi, with several requiring hospitalisation. He claimed that many students suffered serious injuries due to the use of pellet guns, including loss of eyesight and broken bones. “This excessive use of force is the responsibility of Home Minister Amit Shah,” he declared.

The Rajya Sabha session saw significant disruptions, including loud protests from Opposition MPs. They demanded accountability from Union Minister Giriraj Singh for his comments regarding alleged foreign funding in connection with the protests against paper leaks.

Kharge also voiced his criticisms regarding the proposed legislation related to public examinations, arguing that merely increasing penalties and creating enforcement mechanisms would not effectively address the persistent issue of paper leaks. He insisted that the core problems in the examination system needed resolution for meaningful reform.

Concerns Over Academic Freedom

Further, Kharge expressed his concern over what he perceived as a decline in academic freedom, accusing the Central Government of using ideological appointments to influence higher education institutions. He emphasised that universities should not merely function as degree-awarding bodies but should be venues for innovation, research, and open discourse.

Kharge raised alarms about the presence of individuals affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) within educational institutions. He articulated that university campuses should not cater to a singular ideology or promote superstition but instead foster diverse perspectives. He alleged that appointments to key positions, such as Vice-Chancellor, were disproportionately given to those connected with the RSS.

He concluded his remarks by pointing out that the amendments to the examination Bill, which included the establishment of Fast Track Courts and a Special Task Force to investigate examination-related crimes, were passed in a hasty manner, suggesting that the government was inadequately prepared to address the root causes of the ongoing issues.

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