Parliament – Opposition Lawmakers Stage March, Seek Amit Shah’s Response on Key Issues
Parliament – Opposition members staged a march inside the Parliament complex on Wednesday, pressing the government to respond to several issues, including alleged police action against students, claims regarding Ram temple donation management, and the long-pending demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Opposition leaders lead coordinated demonstration
The protest was led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi along with Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Lawmakers gathered near the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Prerna Sthal before marching towards Makar Dwar. Throughout the demonstration, participants carried placards and raised slogans urging the government to address their concerns inside Parliament.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also joined the march and questioned why Union Home Minister Amit Shah had not made a statement in Parliament regarding the matters raised by the Opposition. Speaking to reporters, Kharge said Parliament deserves answers on issues that have been repeatedly brought before both Houses, adding that the Home Minister should directly respond to the concerns instead of remaining absent from the debate.
Demand for statement over student protest allegations
One of the primary demands raised during the protest was for Amit Shah to issue a statement in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha concerning allegations of police action against students during demonstrations linked to last month’s paper leak issue. Opposition MPs alleged that students faced excessive force during the protests and maintained that the government should clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said those occupying constitutional positions must accept responsibility for decisions taken during such situations. She argued that if allegations involving the use of pellet guns, tear gas or baton charges against students are true, the authorities responsible should publicly explain the actions and accept accountability.
Ram temple donation issue also raised
Along with the student protest issue, several Opposition MPs raised allegations related to the handling of donations made to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. As part of a symbolic demonstration, lawmakers placed donation boxes near the steps of Makar Dwar, with some members depositing cash into the boxes while questioning the management of temple contributions.
The Opposition maintained that the matter deserves discussion in Parliament and called for transparency regarding the allegations. The government has not publicly responded to these specific claims during the protest.
Jammu and Kashmir statehood demand highlighted
The demonstration also featured renewed demands for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. MPs representing the Union Territory participated in the protest, which coincided with the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. They urged the Centre to fulfil its commitment regarding the restoration of statehood and called for a formal discussion on the issue in Parliament.
During the march, participants displayed a large banner carrying the message “Amit Shah jawaab do” while repeatedly raising slogans directed at the Union Home Minister.
Leaders from several parties join protest
The march saw participation from leaders representing multiple Opposition parties within the INDIA bloc. Among those present were Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party MPs Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav, Trinamool Congress leaders Sagarika Ghose and Mahua Moitra, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, JMM’s Mahua Maji and RSP MP N. K. Premachandran.
The INDIA bloc indicated that it intends to continue raising the issues of the alleged police action against students, claims regarding Ram temple donations and the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood during the ongoing Parliament session.