New Delhi:
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday accused the Congress of avoiding substantive debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, while also criticising Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s choice of language in his political attacks.
Rijiju Says Congress “Only Doing Politics” During Debate
Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Rijiju said Congress leaders did not speak on the substance of the Bill during Tuesday’s discussion in the Lok Sabha and were “only doing politics” instead. He said he hoped Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders would engage directly with the Bill’s provisions when the debate resumed. “Even if he speaks for 20 or 30 minutes, at least five minutes should be devoted to the Bill. It is such an important piece of legislation,” Rijiju said.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Remarks Called “Outside the Scope” of the Bill
Rijiju alleged that Opposition MPs, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, had spoken on issues unrelated to the Bill during the debate. He said all other Opposition MPs had similarly strayed from the subject under discussion, urging the House to keep its focus on the proposed examination reforms.
Rijiju Criticises Rahul Gandhi’s Language
The minister also took aim at Rahul Gandhi’s manner of political criticism, saying his choice of words was inconsistent with the standards expected in parliamentary discourse. “Rahul Gandhi is using all kinds of undemocratic and very abusive language, which is not in keeping with the correct discourse… One must use civilised and soft language,” Rijiju said, adding that disagreement is natural in a democracy but that leaders should maintain dignity while expressing their views.
Opposition’s Counter on Police Action Against Protesters
The Opposition, for its part, has focused its criticism on the government’s handling of a July 20 student march to Parliament, alleging police used force against protesters. Opposition leaders have argued that the government’s response to the protests has drawn more public attention than the Bill’s provisions themselves.
About the Bill
The government has described the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, as a reaffirmation of its commitment to student welfare, aimed at making the existing anti-paper leak law more stringent with tougher punishments and faster investigations. The debate on the Bill, which began Tuesday, was set to continue in the Lok Sabha with Rahul Gandhi among the expected speakers.
Note: This report is based on statements made by political leaders and information available at the time of publication. Further developments may emerge as the parliamentary debate continues.
