Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has firmly denied allegations of police high-handedness and excessive force during recent student demonstrations over the NEET paper leak, maintaining that no widespread injuries occurred among the protesters.
Rijiju’s remarks arrive amidst an intensifying political standoff between the government and the Opposition over the handling of the July 20 student-led rallies. Opposition leaders have repeatedly disrupted parliamentary proceedings, demanding a dedicated discussion on the police’s conduct during the demonstrations and calling for an official statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Among the main allegations leveled by Opposition MPs is the assertion that security forces used harsh measures—including pellet guns—to disperse protesting students.
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Dismissing the charges, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju countered that allegations of extreme force were ungrounded. “There were no widespread injuries,” Rijiju stated, defending the actions of law enforcement while reiterating the central government’s commitment to address parliamentary concerns through official channels.
Addressing the ongoing deadlock in Parliament, Rijiju stated that the government is not shying away from a debate on the matter. He assured that the administration is entirely prepared to address every concern raised by Opposition members regarding the NEET paper leak controversy and the subsequent street protests.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is ready to give a detailed, official response on the floor of the House detailing the government’s stance and actions regarding the protests. However, Rijiju emphasized that such a statement and discussion can only happen if Opposition parties allow Parliament to function without continuous disruptions.
The dispute stems from widespread agitation among students following reports of paper leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Demonstrators took to the streets on July 20 demanding accountability, dynamic reforms, and a fair re-examination process. The subsequent police response quickly became a flashpoint, triggering fierce criticism from Opposition parties who accuse the administration of using disproportionate force against peaceful student demonstrators.
With both sides standing firm—the Opposition insisting on an immediate response from the Home Minister, and the government conditioning a formal debate on the restoration of house order—the legislative standoff over the NEET protest handling continues to stall parliamentary business.
