Rahul, Priyanka Demand Amit Shah’s Accountability Over Police Action Against Parliament Protesters
The Gandhi siblings accuse the government of using excessive force against protesters and say the Parliament deadlock will continue until the Union Home Minister responds.
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have demanded accountability from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against protesters who marched towards Parliament on July 20.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that excessive force was used against students who were peacefully raising questions about their future.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Rahul said protesters were allegedly confronted with pellet guns, batons fitted with nails and tear gas shells.
He further alleged that several women protesters suffered injuries and that some minors sustained broken bones during the police action.
Rahul argued that Delhi Police reports to the Union Home Ministry and therefore held Shah responsible for either failing to prevent the alleged violence or failing to take action over it.
He also criticised the Home Minister for not addressing Parliament on the issue nearly 20 days after the incident.
According to Rahul, Opposition attempts to seek a discussion on the matter have repeatedly been rejected.
He called for an investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court and said the Opposition would continue to press for accountability.
Priyanka links Parliament deadlock to Shah’s response
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also said the stalemate between the Opposition and the government in Parliament would continue unless Amit Shah makes a statement on the matter.
With only four days remaining in the Monsoon session, several important legislative proposals, including bills related to women’s reservation, delimitation and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, remain uncertain.
None of the three measures was listed for business in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
“I think the deadlock in Parliament will continue till the Union Home Minister gives a statement,” Priyanka told reporters at the Parliament House complex.
The government has been reaching out to Opposition parties over some of the proposed legislation. While a few Opposition parties have indicated some willingness to reconsider their position on women’s reservation and delimitation, the Congress and several of its allies continue to oppose the government’s proposed measures.
Dispute over delimitation and women’s reservation
The government has argued that delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies is necessary before the women’s reservation law can be implemented.
The Opposition has challenged that position.
A Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies was defeated in April after failing to secure the required two thirds majority.
The disagreement over delimitation has become one of the major points of contention between the government and Opposition parties.
Opposition targets FCRA Bill
The proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026, is another major source of disagreement.
The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 and is scheduled to be considered for debate and passage.
Congress leader KC Venugopal has warned that his party will oppose the legislation if the government attempts to pass it during the remaining days of the session.
Venugopal has accused the proposed law of targeting minorities and non governmental organisations.
The bill seeks to strengthen government oversight of organisations receiving foreign contributions. It also proposes a new authority with powers to take control of assets belonging to non profit organisations whose licences are cancelled.
The proposed legislation has faced opposition from political parties as well as Christian organisations.
Parliament session disrupted by protests
The Monsoon session began on July 20 and has been marked by repeated disruptions and adjournments.
Apart from the debate on the Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by both Houses, Parliament has conducted limited business amid continued Opposition protests.
Three other bills were passed by the two Houses with little or no debate, while two additional bills were passed by the Lok Sabha.
The Congress has issued a whip directing its MPs in both Houses to remain present on August 10, 11 and 12, describing the remaining days as important for parliamentary business.
The party has also asked its INDIA bloc allies to ensure that their MPs attend Parliament during the final three days of the session.
The continuing confrontation over the alleged police crackdown, along with disagreements over major legislative proposals, has left the government and Opposition at odds as the Monsoon session enters its final days.