BJP Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Fabricating Police Firing Claims During Student Protests

Contested Claims Over Parliament March

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a formal rebuttal on July 29, 2026, against allegations made by Rahul Gandhi regarding a student march toward Parliament on July 20. BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra asserted that the Leader of the Opposition deliberately circulated misinformation by claiming security forces fired bullets at demonstrators. Patra clarified that no such firing occurred, rendering Gandhi's accusations against Home Minister Amit Shah factually void.

Technical protocols for law enforcement were also highlighted during the press briefing. Patra noted that decisions regarding the application of force rest with the local area magistrate rather than the Home Ministry. He characterized Gandhi's rhetoric as an attempt to manufacturing a victim narrative, specifically addressing the Congress leader's claim that his microphone was silenced during parliamentary debate.

Historical Record and Parliamentary Conduct

Addressing the Congress party's legacy, Patra cited past instances of student suppression to contrast with the current administration's approach to 'Gen Z' concerns. He referenced specific historical fatalities, including:

• The deaths of hundreds of students during regional movements in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Fatal engagements in Jammu & Kashmir.
• The killing of over 800 students during the Assam students' union protests.

The BJP further criticized Gandhi for his choice of vocabulary within the Lok Sabha. The spokesperson alleged that the Congress leader used the unparliamentary term idiot repeatedly and categorized protesters at Jantar Mantar as either students, andhbhakt (blind devotees), or idiots. Patra claimed these labels insulted the very demographic Gandhi claimed to represent.

Disputing Domestic Security Portrayals

The exchange extended to the characterization of senior leadership and the military. Patra rejected Gandhi's description of a distressed Home Minister, instead framing Amit Shah as a resolute figure defined by his efforts against Naxalism and terrorism. Additionally, the BJP accused Congress leadership of damaging military morale by alleging that security personnel committed acts of indecency against female protesters during the demonstrations.

Regarding the legislative process, the BJP pointed out that 45 members participated in the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. Patra argued that interventions by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajnath Singh were strictly procedural. Rijiju's objections focused on prohibited language, while Singh had actively requested that treasury benches listen to Gandhi's address, which the BJP cited as evidence of democratic adherence.

Source: The Hindu — News