Parliament – Opposition Plans Joint Protest Over Alleged Pellet Gun Use Against Students
Parliament –The Trinamool Congress (TMC) announced on Friday that opposition parties would jointly take up the issue of the alleged use of pellet guns during police action against students participating in the Cockroach Janta Party’s “Sansad Chalo” march on July 20. The opposition intends to seek answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, arguing that the matter requires accountability at the highest level.
Opposition Seeks Debate in Parliament
Speaking on behalf of the party, TMC Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha Sagarika Ghose said reports and visual evidence indicated that security personnel had allegedly used pellet guns against students who were taking part in the demonstration. She maintained that the protesters were unarmed and were demanding a fair and transparent examination system.
Ghose stated through a social media post that emerging evidence suggested the use of pellet ammunition capable of causing severe injuries, including permanent damage to eyesight. According to her, the incident raised serious concerns over the handling of student protests and deserved immediate attention during the ongoing Parliament session.
Focus Expands Beyond Police Action
The opposition’s proposed protest will not be limited to the alleged police response during the July 20 demonstration. Ghose said several parties would also highlight concerns related to the NEET examination controversy and the growing number of reported student suicides, describing these issues as matters of national importance that require discussion inside Parliament.
She added that opposition leaders planned to collectively press the government for explanations on the handling of student-related concerns and the broader education system.
Senior TMC Leader Demands Accountability
Reacting to Ghose’s remarks, TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’Brien said the issue extended beyond calls for the resignation of any individual minister. He argued that responsibility should be fixed at the highest levels of government and maintained that both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister must answer questions raised by the opposition regarding the incident.
His comments reflected the party’s position that the alleged use of force against student protesters cannot be treated as an isolated matter and should be addressed through parliamentary debate.
Injury Reports Intensify Political Dispute
The controversy gained momentum after photographs and videos circulated online appeared to show several protesters with injuries that opposition leaders claimed were caused by pellet shots. The visuals quickly became a major point of political debate, with questions being raised about the methods used during the police operation.
According to available information, at least one student sustained a serious eye injury and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital. The reported injury has further intensified demands from opposition parties for an independent explanation of the events that unfolded during the protest.
Delhi Police Reject Allegations
Delhi Police has firmly denied allegations that pellet guns were used while dispersing the protesters. Officials have maintained that such weapons were not deployed during the July 20 operation and have rejected claims made by opposition leaders.
Despite the denial, opposition parties continue to demand a detailed discussion in Parliament, insisting that the government clarify the circumstances surrounding the police action. With Parliament in session, the issue is expected to remain at the centre of political debate as lawmakers press for answers regarding the treatment of student demonstrators and the wider concerns linked to the education sector.