Parliament – Opposition Plans Twin Protest Over Student Action and Temple Donation Claims
Parliament –Opposition parties are preparing to intensify their criticism of the government by staging coordinated demonstrations inside the Parliament complex on Thursday. The protests will focus on two issues that have sparked political debate in recent days: the alleged police action against students during the July 20 demonstration in Delhi and accusations of financial irregularities involving donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Opposition lawmakers are expected to gather at Makar Dwar within the Parliament premises at around 10:30 a.m. The demonstration is scheduled just hours before the Rajya Sabha is set to consider and vote on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, making the day’s parliamentary proceedings politically significant.
Demonstration Follows Earlier Protest by Samajwadi Party
The planned protest comes one day after Members of Parliament from the Samajwadi Party, led by party president Akhilesh Yadav, organized a demonstration at the same location. During Wednesday’s protest, party leaders alleged that donations offered at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple had been misused and demanded a thorough investigation into the handling of the funds.
Holding placards and raising slogans, the Samajwadi Party MPs called for an impartial and high-level inquiry into the allegations. They argued that complete transparency was necessary because the donations were made by millions of devotees with deep religious faith.
Opposition Raises Questions Over Temple Donations
Senior Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav described the issue as one that extends beyond politics and directly concerns the trust of devotees across India and abroad. According to him, there should be a clear account of how the contributions received by the temple have been managed.
He maintained that people who donated to the temple deserve complete transparency regarding the collection and use of the offerings, adding that the matter requires an independent examination to remove any doubts surrounding the allegations.
Political Dispute Over Alleged Police Action
Alongside the temple donation issue, opposition parties are also expected to highlight the alleged police action against students during protests held in Delhi on July 20. The incident has triggered strong reactions from several opposition leaders, who have accused the government of using excessive force against demonstrators.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge publicly supported Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s demand for accountability. In a statement shared on social media, Kharge alleged that pellet guns had been used against students and questioned whether the incident occurred with official approval or due to administrative failure. He argued that either possibility raised serious concerns about the government’s responsibility in handling the situation.
Rahul Gandhi also criticized the government’s response, alleging that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was either responsible for the incident or had failed to prevent it. He called for an independent investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court to establish the facts surrounding the alleged police action.
Rajya Sabha to Consider Examination Reform Bill
The protests are expected to take place before the Rajya Sabha begins discussing the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen measures against examination-related malpractice by increasing penalties for paper leaks and other forms of cheating.
The Bill also proposes the creation of a Special Task Force to investigate examination offences and the establishment of Special Fast Track Courts to ensure quicker disposal of such cases. Supporters of the legislation say these provisions are intended to improve the integrity of public examinations and deliver timely justice.
The Lok Sabha approved the Bill on Wednesday following an extended debate in which members of both the Treasury and Opposition benches exchanged sharp arguments over recurring paper leak incidents and the government’s handling of student protests. According to the Rajya Sabha’s official List of Business, discussion on the legislation is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday.