Rahul Gandhi Demands Shah’s Removal, SC-Monitored Probe Into Police Action on Students

NEW DELHI, Jul 29: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday intensified his attack on the Narendra Modi government, demanding the dismissal of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and calling for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the police action against students during the July 20 protest march to Parliament.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Gandhi accused the Centre of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and alleged that students had become victims of an administration more focused on protecting its political image than addressing concerns over repeated examination paper leaks.

Rahul Gandhi claimed that security personnel used pellet guns and forceful baton charges against students participating in the protest, leaving several injured. He questioned whether Amit Shah had personally authorised the action or failed to prevent it.

“If the home minister approved such action, he must be held accountable. If he was unaware of what happened under his ministry, it reflects administrative failure,” Gandhi said, insisting that accountability could not be avoided.

The Congress leader urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove Shah from office and establish an independent inquiry supervised by the Supreme Court to examine the sequence of events, identify those responsible and ensure justice for affected students.

Questions Government’s Response

Gandhi alleged that the government was attempting to silence criticism instead of responding to students’ demands for transparent and fair recruitment examinations.

He claimed that students who participated in the demonstrations were now being subjected to intimidation and surveillance. According to Gandhi, authorities were allegedly using facial recognition technology to identify protesters, while pressure was being exerted on them after the demonstrations ended.

Describing the protesters as the nation’s future, Gandhi asserted that students should not be treated as criminals for raising concerns about examination irregularities.

“They have not committed any offence. They were demanding accountability and reforms. A democratic government should listen to them instead of threatening them,” he said.

Pellet Gun Allegations Raised

During the interaction with reporters, Gandhi referred to medical records of an injured student, claiming they indicated pellet injuries. He alleged that multiple protesters had suffered similar wounds and accused the government of refusing to acknowledge the use of pellet guns during the police operation.

He argued that such weapons could cause serious injuries and maintained that an impartial judicial investigation was necessary to determine the facts.

Claims of Being Prevented From Speaking

Rahul Gandhi also alleged that he was repeatedly prevented from speaking in the Lok Sabha while discussions were underway on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

According to him, despite seeking permission several times, he was not allowed to present his views in the House. Gandhi claimed he was informally asked to withdraw his remarks concerning Amit Shah if he wished to continue speaking.

Rejecting the suggestion, he asserted that it was his constitutional responsibility as Leader of Opposition to raise issues concerning students and democratic rights.

Criticism of Anti-Paper Leak Bill

The Congress MP criticised the amended anti-paper leak legislation passed in the Lok Sabha, arguing that increasing punishment alone would not resolve systemic problems affecting the country’s examination process.

He maintained that the focus should instead be on strengthening institutional mechanisms, improving transparency and preventing question paper leaks before they occur.

Gandhi alleged that the legislation addressed only the consequences of examination fraud while failing to tackle the underlying administrative shortcomings that had repeatedly led to irregularities.

Political Attack on Government

Continuing his criticism, Gandhi claimed the government’s efforts were directed more towards safeguarding its public image than addressing public grievances. He said students had become symbols of a larger demand for accountability in the education system.

He reiterated that those responsible for ordering or carrying out alleged excesses against demonstrators must face legal scrutiny through an independent judicial process rather than an internal government inquiry.

The Congress leader concluded by urging the Prime Minister to initiate an impartial investigation under Supreme Court supervision, saying such a move would restore public confidence and ensure justice for students who participated in the protests.

The remarks came amid an ongoing political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition over the handling of student demonstrations and the government’s response to examination-related controversies across the country.