New Delhi: A heated exchange erupted in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament as Leader of the House JP Nadda defended the police action against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters, calling it a normal law and order situation.
The debate unfolded after Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of using excessive force during the student-led protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
Kharge Questions Police Action
Raising the issue in the Upper House, Kharge alleged that democracy and public safety were under threat. He demanded accountability over the police action and questioned who authorised the intervention against the protesters.
The Congress president urged action against those responsible, saying those who acted without proper authorisation should be identified and punished.
JP Nadda Defends Police Response
Responding to the criticism, JP Nadda rejected the allegations and said the police had merely carried out their duty to maintain law and order.
Drawing from his own experience as a student activist during the Emergency, Nadda said he had been arrested multiple times and argued that activists must be prepared to face legal consequences if protests lead to law-and-order issues.
He maintained that the police acted according to the situation and accused the Opposition of trying to sensationalise routine policing.
The exchange comes in the wake of the July 20 Sansad Chalo ; march organised by the CJP over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. The protest turned violent after demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament, leading to clashes with security forces.
The 37-day-long agitation at Jantar Mantar later ended after the Centre assured protesters that several of their demands, including examination reforms and issues, would be addressed.
