The ongoing protests regarding the police action against students during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march on July 20 have gained momentum as Congress leader Pawan Khera has emphasised that the issue will remain in focus until Union Home Minister Amit Shah responds to the controversy. Khera expressed gratitude towards the Supreme Court for acknowledging that agitation alone cannot warrant police excesses.

At a press conference, Khera stated, “Until the Union Home Minister answers, we will continue to raise our demand for accountability regarding the police action on student protesters during the events of July 20.” He also raised concerns regarding the treatment of women protesters, questioning the identity of individuals in plain clothes who were allegedly involved in the violent incidents.

He posed a rhetorical question about the use of pellet guns in the capital, asking whether it is justifiable for police to employ such measures against young demonstrators. Khera asked, “Is it justified for the police to use such guns and threaten our own children?” His comments underscore the Congress party’s determination to hold the government accountable for its actions.

Criticism of Government Examination Reforms

Khera further criticised the central government regarding the establishment of a High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms led by Nandan Nilekani. He accused the ruling BJP of depending on individuals formerly associated with the Congress party, asserting, “They cannot function without Congress.” He claimed that many current leaders in the BJP originally came from Congress backgrounds.

In his remarks, Khera suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unable to detach himself from Congress influences, stating, “He starts from Nehru and comes to Nandan Nilekani.” This reflects the Congress party’s position on the government’s reliance on past Congress figures for key initiatives.

In response to remarks made by Supreme Court advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, Khera advised him to refrain from commenting publicly, suggesting that it would be advantageous for both Jethmalani and his party to remain silent.

Concerns Over Legislative Changes and Student Welfare

Congress MP Imran Masood also raised apprehensions regarding the introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. He questioned the effectiveness of existing legislation, stating that previous laws aimed at preventing unfair means have not been adequately enforced.

Masood highlighted that earlier laws had been established but were seemingly ineffective, asking, “What happened to them? Were they weak?” He expressed frustration over the lack of follow-through regarding previous laws and urged the government to focus on producing tangible results rather than merely discussing policy changes.

Additionally, Masood questioned the rationale behind the alleged use of force, particularly the application of pellet guns against students. He addressed the Home Minister directly, asking, “Did you feel national security was threatened by their protest?” This inquiry reflects the broader concern regarding the disproportionate response to peaceful demonstrations by young students.

The backdrop of these remarks coincides with resumed protests by opposition parties in the Parliament complex, where they continue to demand accountability from Amit Shah concerning the incidents of July 20. Simultaneously, the Lok Sabha witnessed opposition members loudly protesting the introduction of the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, leading to an adjournment of the House until later in the day.

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