Parliamentary Debate Heats Up as BJP Minister Faces Criticism Over Student Cases

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange on July 31 as opposition members rallied around Rahul Gandhi’s criticisms of the government's handling of student protests. BJP MP Anurag Thakur’s proposal to curb a privilege motion raised by Rahul Gandhi sparked sharp rebukes. Captain Viriyato Fernandes argued that the government’s promise to protect youth is contradicted by its use of force and legal action against students. Christopher Tillak mocked Thakur’s scientific knowledge, recalling a school visit where Thakur incorrectly named a mythological figure as the first astronaut. CPI(M) leader V. Shivdasan accused the police of filing baseless charges against protestors, violating earlier pledges. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge affirmed that party legislators will confront the minister on the floor.