Rijiju accuses Congress of avoiding debate on anti-paper leak bill, slams Rahul Gandhi's 'abusive' language

Congress leaders did not speak on the Bill at all. They were only doing politics. We hope Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders will speak on the Bill today, says Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju

Published - July 29, 2026 01:09 pm IST - New Delhi

PTI

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) accused opposition parties of attempting to divert attention from the anti-paper leak Bill by raising unrelated issues during the debate in the Lok Sabha.

Mr. Rijiju stated that opposition leaders were preoccupied with politics during the debate and expressed hope that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi would address the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the House on Wednesday.

Debate Overview

A discussion on the Bill began in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday (July 28), with the government describing it as a reaffirmation of its commitment to safeguarding student welfare.

The Opposition, however, criticised the Modi government over the lathi-charge on protesters during the CJP-led July 20 march to Parliament, asserting that each blow damaged the government's prestige more than the backs of the youth.

Rijiju's Remarks

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Mr. Rijiju said:

• "Congress leaders did not speak on the Bill at all. They were only doing politics. We hope Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders will speak on the Bill today."
• "Such an important Bill is being discussed, but they are trying to divert attention by talking about unrelated issues and politicising it."
• "This is a very good Bill brought in response to the demands of students. The Prime Minister has taken a major decision and it has instilled new confidence among the students. If the Congress has any suggestions on the examination system, it is free to share them."

The Minister alleged that opposition leaders, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, spoke on unrelated issues during the debate.

"You heard Priyanka Gandhi yesterday. She spoke entirely outside the scope of the Bill. All the other opposition MPs also spoke on issues outside the (purview of the) Bill and not about the Bill," he said.

Call for Rahul Gandhi's Participation

Mr. Rijiju expressed hope that Mr. Gandhi would dedicate a portion of his speech to the Bill on Wednesday.

"I especially expect Rahul Gandhi to speak on the Bill today. 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 and not speaking on it is not appropriate," he said.

Criticism of Rahul Gandhi's Language

Mr. Rijiju also criticised Mr. Gandhi's choice of words in his political attacks, urging that public discourse remain civil.

"Rahul Gandhi is using all kinds of undemocratic and very abusive language, which is not in keeping with the correct discourse in a parliamentary democracy. One must use civilised and soft language.

"We may differ with each other, but the kind of abusive and demeaning language Rahul ji uses is not good for democracy and not good for our country," the Minister said.

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