Parliament Session: Rijiju slams Opposition, says they are focused on politics, not legislation

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had a brief exchange of words in the Lok Sabha over allegations raised by Dubey regarding an MP's alleged links with a UK-based firm.

The exchange took place after Dubey made claims about the alleged association, leading to a brief confrontation between the two leaders during the proceedings.

The anti-paper leak Bill is likely to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, following its passage in the Lok Sabha later today. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda arrived at Parliament House to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah ahead of the Bill's proposed introduction in the Upper House.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Tuesday criticised the appointment of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to oversee the Education Ministry, alleging that his primary qualification was his association with the RSS.

Speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak Bill, Tagore claimed the RSS sought to exert greater influence over the country's education system. He also argued that following the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the government should have appointed "a person with an impeccable track record" to lead the ministry during a critical period for the education sector.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday criticised the Opposition for, according to him, failing to engage with the provisions of the anti-paper leak Bill during the marathon Lok Sabha debate.

Speaking outside Parliament, Rijiju said the House had continued its proceedings late into the night to discuss the future of students and introduce a stringent law to curb examination paper leaks and malpractices. He expressed disappointment that Congress and other Opposition leaders, in his view, focused on political attacks instead of debating the contents of the legislation.

"When a Bill is being discussed, one should speak about its provisions and merits. It would have been beneficial if they had debated the processes and stringent laws introduced to prevent examination irregularities," he said.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Tuesday described examination irregularities and paper leaks as a grave threat to the country's future, saying they were "no less dangerous than terrorism or Maoism" as they primarily victimised the youth.

Speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak Bill, Thakur assured students that the government was committed to eliminating the menace. He said that just as the Modi government had tackled challenges such as terrorism and Naxalism, it would also find a lasting solution to paper leaks. "Our youth are the primary victims. I want to assure the youth of our country that we will find a definitive solution to this paper leak problem," he said.

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav on Tuesday criticised the Centre during the Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak Bill, alleging that peaceful protesters had been mistreated.

Referring to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, she said he was peacefully observing a hunger strike but was "covered with a kafan" by the government. She also condemned the alleged treatment of students during the July 20 anti-NEET paper leak protest in Delhi, saying they were humiliated. "I felt their pain," Yadav told the House.

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule on Tuesday demanded the constitution of an inquiry committee to investigate the alleged use of pellet guns by security personnel during the recent anti-NEET paper leak protests in Delhi.

Speaking during the Lok Sabha debate, Sule called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the alleged use of force against protesting students, saying the incident warranted accountability and an independent inquiry.

"The youth of this country are seeking justice, not charity. They did not come here to bring down the government; they came here to save their trust in the system. Honourable Speaker, through you, I want to tell the government: protect your credibility, correct your intentions, address your arrogance, and fulfil your promises.

"Under your (NDA) rule, we have witnessed many major thefts, the theft of votes during elections, the theft of donations to the Ram temple... But the biggest theft, the biggest theft, was when the future of the country's youth was stolen...The theft of the future and dreams of the youth is far greater than any other theft.

"Honourable Speaker, if the youth of this country become disillusioned, if their hopes are broken, then it will be India's biggest defeat. The people of the Congress and the Opposition will sacrifice everything, but they will not allow India to lose," Priyanka said further in the Lok Sabha.

Reacting to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remarks in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi rejected her allegations and accused her of spreading misinformation. He said Priyanka should have verified her claims before making them in Parliament.

"Priyanka ji should have authenticated her statements. Action should be taken regarding the misinformation being spread. Can one simply say anything and get away with it?" Joshi said. Refuting the allegations against him, he demanded that Priyanka apologise to the House and called for action against her, saying she should be expelled.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent addresses to the youth on Instagram, Priyanka Gandhi said changing the camera angle will not change the reality and that the prime minister needs to change his "heart's angle" to understand the grievances of the youth.

Priyanka Gandhi criticised the Centre over the examination paper leak issue and the appointment of the new Education Minister during the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill.

She alleged that while the government was celebrating, a family in Maharashtra was mourning the loss of their daughter following a paper leak incident. Questioning the government's sensitivity towards students, Priyanka also took aim at the appointment of the new Education Minister, saying it sent a troubling message to girls across the country about justice, accountability and the government's priorities.

During the Lok Sabha debate in the Monsoon Session on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, Opposition members demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against students protesting the alleged examination paper leaks.

The Opposition questioned why force was used against students demonstrating over the issue and said the government must explain the circumstances that led to the police crackdown. They argued that the Prime Minister and the Home Minister should address the House and respond to concerns over the handling of the protests.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde dismissed the Opposition's claim that former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned under pressure, asserting that the decision was voluntary. "Dharmendra Pradhan resigned of his own will, taking moral responsibility for what happened. It was not because of your pressure," Shinde said amid protests and booing by Opposition MPs.

Reiterating the DMK's long-standing opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), party MP Dayanidhi Maran said the exam is discriminatory and unfair to Dalits and poor students.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Centre over recurring examination paper leaks, saying the current generation would give the Modi government an "F" in its report card. "The BJP government should remember that every generation writes its own report card. For the Modi government, that report card will read: 'F' for Failed. The Modi government failed to stop paper leaks," Banerjee said.

The anti-paper leak amendment bill is unlikely to be passed today. The discussion on the bill is expected to continue until around 10 pm, with its passage now likely to take place on Wednesday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is not expected to participate in the discussion or speak on the bill.

Reported by Devendra Prashar

Akhilesh Yadav further slammed the government over the functioning of the National Testing Agency, questioning why one of the most important educational bodies in the country has been outsourced.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attacked the NDA-led central government over the paper leaks and the students' protests, calling it an issue which affected people across age groups of a family. He said the government removed Dharmendra Pradhan to save the Pradhan Mantri (PM) Narendra Modi.

Backing the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said the proposed law would strengthen the fight against examination malpractices through measures such as fast-track courts. She said the legislation "protects merit, upholds fairness and safeguards the dreams of India's youth," calling it an example of "responsive governance by a responsible Modi government." Swaraj also linked the bill to the Centre's broader vision of youth-led development under 'Viksit Bharat' and highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative, saying it aims to transform "Exam Worriers to Exam Warriors."

Speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak Bill, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said the proposed legislation was the need of the hour to crack down on the "paper leak mafia." She asserted that the bill had been introduced with the intention of strengthening the legal framework against examination fraud and described it as a reflection of the government's sensitivity towards students and its commitment to protecting the integrity of public examinations.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj addressed the Lok Sabha during the ongoing discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, presenting the ruling party's position on the proposed legislation. She highlighted the need for stronger legal safeguards to curb examination malpractices and protect the interests of students, while defending the Centre's efforts to strengthen the integrity of the country's public examination system.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking in the Lok Sabha on the anti-paper leak bill, alleging that the Prime Minister was more focused on Instagram reels than addressing the concerns of students. Accusing the Centre of failing to tackle the examination paper leak crisis effectively, Gogoi said the government should prioritise meaningful reforms in the education system instead of concentrating on social media outreach. 

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi raised concerns over the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) during the debate on the anti-paper leak Bill. Questioning the government's handling of alleged irregularities, he said the NTA has a sanctioned strength of 34 officials and asked how 47 officials could have been dismissed if that was the case, seeking an explanation from the Centre.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the anti-paper leak bill, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the Centre of not being serious about improving the country's education system. He said the government was unwilling to bring meaningful reforms in the education sector and criticised the BJP's welcome for former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, remarking that it was "as if he had returned after fighting a war with Pakistan." Gogoi also argued that the proposed legislation would not be effective in stopping the "paper leak mafia."

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi opened the Opposition's side of the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha after Union Minister Jitendra Singh presented the government's case. 

Speaking during the debate on the anti-paper leak Bill in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said examination paper leaks were not a new phenomenon and had occurred under previous governments as well. He cited alleged instances from 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, claiming that the railway recruitment examination paper leaked during the UPA government's tenure in 2009 and that another paper leak occurred in Maharashtra in 2013. Singh said the Centre had brought the legislation to establish a nationwide legal framework to curb paper leaks and protect the integrity of public examinations.

Opening the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the proposed legislation strengthens the anti-paper leak law enacted in 2024, which he described as the first legislation of its kind in independent India. He said the amendment reaffirms the Centre's commitment to protecting students' interests and ensuring the integrity of public examinations. "And at the same time, it is also a reiteration of Prime Minister Modi's resolve- not to allow anyone to compromise with the future of the children of Mother India. Therefore, this bill can be described, in a way, as a milestone legislation in the history of Indian Parliament," he added. 

The much-awaited discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 began in the Lok Sabha, with Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh initiating the debate. The debate comes after days of parliamentary deadlock over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and is expected to witness participation from both the Treasury and Opposition benches.

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha have commenced. The House is scheduled to take up a discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, commonly referred to as the anti-paper leak Bill, later in the day. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day. 

Both Houses were adjourned till 2 pm after the Question Hour began on a stormy note. The Lok Sabha is expected to take up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, for discussion and passage after it reconvenes, with both the ruling NDA and the Opposition set to participate in what is likely to be a key debate on reforms aimed at curbing paper leaks and examination malpractices.

The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha convened today on a stormy note as Parliament resumed its proceedings. The Opposition is set to participate in the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, marking an end to days of disruptions over the issue.

The Congress is expected to field Rahul Gandhi, Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal during the debate in the Lok Sabha. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule and Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy are also expected to participate in the discussion.

JMM Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji said that the atmosphere suggested Parliament is likely to function normally today. However, she alleged that the "ruling side often adjourns the House" whenever the Opposition seeks a discussion under Rule 267. Referring to the student protests, Maji said the agitation had ended only after assurances were given that all cases against students would be withdrawn and no punitive action would be taken. "Many students in Bihar have been detained even after that announcement. The government should first honour its promises. If the Opposition does not raise these issues, then who will stand with the students?" she said.

Ahead of the crucial discussion in Parliament, both the ruling NDA and the Opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc are holding separate strategy meetings. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing the NDA's 'Mangal Milan' meeting, leaders of the INDIA bloc are also meeting in the Parliament complex to finalise their floor strategy for the debate.

Today's parliamentary agenda is packed with significant legislative business in both Houses. Along with the anti-paper leak Bill in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha will deliberate on key amendments related to MSMEs and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is among the key legislative businesses listed in the Upper House for the day.

Union ministers Pankaj Chaudhary, Anupriya Patel, BL Verma, Shantanu Thakur and Harsh Malhotra are scheduled to lay official papers in the Rajya Sabha. Ministerial statements on the implementation of Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations will also be presented.

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and BJP MP Rao Rajendra Singh will present two reports of the Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The reports relate to the Demands for Grants for the financial year 2026-27.

The Lok Sabha will begin today's business with the Question Hour before taking up legislative work. Several Union ministers are also scheduled to lay official papers and statements related to Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations.

Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh will move the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha. The legislation seeks to amend the 2024 Act to further tighten provisions against unfair practices in public examinations.

The Rajya Sabha will witness the introduction of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 during today's proceedings. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is scheduled to introduce the legislation, which seeks to amend the MSME Development Act, 2006.

The Lok Sabha is set to take up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 for consideration and passing today. The proposed law aims to strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and examination malpractices after it was introduced in the House a day earlier.