# India student protest controversy and Parliamentary deadlock > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260804-india-student-protest-controversy > Updated: 2026-08-10T15:25:01.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 3. In late July 2026, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of ordering the use of pellet guns against student demonstrators, injuring at least one protester. Gandhi framed the incident as an attempt to silence Gen Z voices and criticized the Prime Minister’s stance of “forgiving” students, linking it to a dangerous ideology. During a book launch for former MP Vaiko in Delhi, Gandhi expanded his criticism, stating that students are in “severe pain” due to demands for fair examinations and a functional education system. He argued that the students require an apology rather than forgiveness, and blamed the ruling party’s alliance with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for attempts to rewrite history. By 10 August 2026, the dispute escalated into a parliamentary deadlock during the Monsoon Session. Home Minister Amit Shah offered a 24-hour window for a detailed discussion, proposing a debate from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon, provided the Opposition submits a formal request to the Speaker. Shah asserted the government has “nothing to hide” regarding the 20 July incident. Rahul Gandhi rejected the offer of a general discussion, stating the Opposition is “not interested in listening to his lecture.” Gandhi continues to demand specific accountability, questioning who authorized the use of pellet guns and lathis. He argued that Shah must take responsibility for the Delhi Police, suggesting the Home Minister should resign if he either ordered the crackdown or was unaware of it. The standoff has caused significant disruptions, with the Lok Sabha facing 18 consecutive days of interruptions that have prevented Question Hour and Zero Hour from taking place. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Congress party of “running away” from the debate. ## Claims - Rahul Gandhi stated that if Amit Shah ordered the firing, he is culpable, and if he was unaware, he is incompetent. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Amit Shah stated the government is ready for a discussion on student protests and police action. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Amit Shah proposed a 24-hour discussion window from 3 pm Wednesday to 3 pm Thursday, contingent on the Opposition submitting a letter to the Speaker. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Rahul Gandhi demanded to know who ordered the firing on students in Delhi. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is ready for a discussion in the Lok Sabha provided the Opposition listens peacefully. (corroborated by 6 sources) - A student was blinded during the student protests in Delhi. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Police used sticks with nails to attack students. (corroborated by 4 sources) - On June 20, Delhi Police used lathis, pellet guns, and tear gas against students protesting under the Cockroach Janta Party banner. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Lok Sabha was adjourned for two hours due to protests by opposition members. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-10: Amit Shah offers 24-hour parliamentary debate on student protests Home Minister Amit Shah offered a 24-hour parliamentary debate on the NEET student protests, but Rahul Gandhi rejected the proposal, demanding direct accountability for the use of force against protesters. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rahul-gandhi-demands-accountability-from-amit-shah-over-delhi-student-protests ### 2026-08-04: Rahul Gandhi condemns PM Modi's 'forgiveness' of protesting students at Vaiko book launch Rahul Gandhi condemned PM Modi’s “forgiveness” of protesting students at Vaiko’s book launch, calling for an apology and denouncing RSS‑linked history revision. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rahul-gandhi-criticises-pm-modi-over-forgiving-students-remark ### 2026-07-31: Rahul Gandhi condemns Indian government’s student crackdown and pellet‑gun use Rahul Gandhi accused India’s leaders of suppressing student protests, using pellet guns and filing thousands of cases, prompting opposition criticism of the government’s handling of dissent. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rahul-gandhi-condemns-indian-governments-student-crackdown-and-pelletgun-use --- Cite as: India student protest controversy and Parliamentary deadlock. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260804-india-student-protest-controversy