LIVE: Fresh police crackdown on Jantar Mantar protesters; tear gas fired, internet cut off

Rahul Gandhi misused LoP privileges, protest outside PM's residence childish: BJP

The BJP has accused Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of misusing the privileges associated with his constitutional post by staging a protest outside PM Narendra Modi's residence and alleged that the Congress leader wants to come to power by dividing the country.

The party also accused Rahul of being "hand in glove with anti-national elements" and described his action as an example of "directionless" and "childish" politics.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged that the Gandhi family is "hand in glove with anti-national elements" and demanded an investigation into Rahul's foreign visits.

"Rahul Gandhi's foreign visits should be investigated. The government should examine whom he met abroad, which officials from Islamic countries he met, which people working to break India he met, which Chinese officials he met, and whether the Soros Foundation is funding him," he told reporters in the Parliament House complex.

Opposition in RS demands discussion on 5 issues

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha have given a notice under Rule 267 for a suspension of ordinary business and an immediate discussion on the following issues:

1. The use of excessive force by police, including lathi-charge, tear gas, pellet guns, shock batons, and water cannons against peaceful student protesters on July 20th;

2. The manner in which the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and other opposition leaders were manhandled, pushed around, and dragged on the roads by police personnel on July 21;

3. The complete silence of the PM and the HM on the student protests and police barbarity;

4. The continued unwillingness of the Union Minister of Education to resign in the face of the mounting evidence of his unfitness to hold office;

5. The mounting frustration and hopelessness of youth across the country with the education and examination system.

Pradhan meets Birla as govt agrees for discussion on NEET issue in LS

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday as government agreed for a discussion on NEET paper leak in the Lok Sabha.

According to officials, Pradhan met Birla in Parliament soon after government told the Lok Sabha that it is willing to hold a detailed discussion on the NEET paper leak issue.

The government had urged Speaker Birla to convene a meeting of all parties to decide on the rule, date and duration of the debate.

Karti Chidambaram seeks NEET scrapping, NTA accountability

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Wednesday accused the Centre of failing to address recurring examination paper leaks, saying the controversy had eroded public confidence in the country's examination system.

Speaking to reporters, Chidambaram said, "There are two problems - One is that there have been consistent and systematic leaks in various exams. What happened in NEET was the last straw." He alleged that the government had failed to take corrective action, adding, "The government is doing nothing systematic to correct the problem or fix accountability. The minister continues, the secretary continues, and the head of the NTA continues. Accountability has not been fixed," reported ANI.

He also questioned the Centre's handling of examination reforms, saying, "Neither have they taken us into confidence about what they have done to improve the examination system. People have lost trust in the examination system."

On the NEET examination itself, Chidambaram argued that it infringed on states' powers. "Point two is that NEET itself is anti-federal. There is no reason for the central government to run an admission process for colleges which are funded and staffed by the state government."

He added, "One is the abolition of NEET, and the second is the strengthening of the examination system and fixing accountability, but the government is refusing to fix accountability."

Ranka says CJP protest has 'grown 100 times bigger'

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka on Wednesday claimed the movement had gained momentum following the police action during the July 20 protest, saying the agitation had entered a crucial phase.

Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Ranka said, “These people thought that they will get the students thrashed on July 20, protest will end but now it has grown 100 times bigger. They thought they will not allow us to put up tent and the protest will end. But it has become bigger. It is a decisive battle," reported the Hindustan Times. 

Describing the protest as a fight against the government's functioning, he added, “This battle is to end the arrogance of the government. What Delhi Police did that day, people across the world saw it. They should have at least worn name badges to thrash students,” while saying the organisation would decide its next course of action.

BJP accuses Rahul of misusing LoP post over PM protest

The BJP on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, accusing him of misusing the office of the Leader of the Opposition and politicising the alleged NEET paper leak issue.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged, "Rahul Gandhi's foreign visits should be investigated. The government should examine whom he met abroad, which officials from Islamic countries he met, which people working to break India he met, which Chinese officials he met, and whether the Soros Foundation is funding him." He also claimed, "My son reached his examination centre late because of the protest. Is being a leader's son a crime? Is he not a student? Is he not an examinee?"

Targeting Gandhi further, Dubey said, "Rahul Gandhi is trying to do today what Indira Gandhi did during the Emergency... He wants to come to power by dividing the country."

BJP MP Madan Rathore called the protest "directionless and childish politics," adding, "As the LoP, he has certain special privileges. He misused those privileges." He also alleged that the Congress changed its demands after the government agreed to discuss the issue in Parliament.

Congress renews push for NEET debate, Pradhan's resignation

Congress on Wednesday stepped up pressure on the Centre over the alleged NEET and CBSE paper leak controversy, with Opposition parties deciding to continue seeking a debate through an adjournment motion while insisting on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said, "Today morning, we had discussions with opposition parties. We decided very clearly... for the last three days, we have been continuously giving adjournment motions on this NEET-CBSE exam leakage issue, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan." He added, "If the government is ready to accept the adjournment motion... Yesterday, Jitendra Singh said they are ready for a discussion. Discussion on which rule?" as quoted by ANI.

Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, wore black in Parliament in protest. Priyanka Gandhi said, "There is nothing undemocratic with peaceful protest, but what is happening with students and in Parliament is undemocratic."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also attacked the government, saying, "We are not going to be scared, we will continue to fight. You will regret what you did to Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi...We will show them that Congress party and INDIA bloc will continue to fight."

CJP to launch helpline for detained protesters

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Wednesday said it would launch a helpline for protesters who were detained during the recent demonstrations in Delhi, while legal teams continued to document the police action against students.

The organisation said lawyers associated with the movement were gathering evidence related to the police crackdown and appealed to the public to assist with the effort.

The CJP also urged anyone with recordings of the police action to share them with the organisation, saying the material would help document the events surrounding the protest.

Dipke criticises Centre over Wangchuk's hunger strike

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) convenor Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday criticised the Centre over the condition of activist Sonam Wangchuk, alleging that the government had remained indifferent despite his prolonged hunger strike.

Addressing reporters at the protest site, Dipke said, “Sonam Wangchuk has been on hunger strike for 25 days. His condition is bad. PM has not tweeted for him. This is an inhuman government.”

He also urged the Centre to accept the protesters' demands, saying the government should “leave arrogance” and engage with the movement.

Pawan Khera seeks Amit Shah's statement on NEET, Pradhan's exit

Congress MP Pawan Khera on Wednesday accused the Centre of refusing to allow a parliamentary discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak and reiterated the Opposition's demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Speaking to reporters, Khera said Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge had submitted a notice under Rule 267 seeking a discussion on the examination controversy. "LoP in Rajya Sabha had given a notice in the House under Rule 267 to discuss issues of NEET paper leak, resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The Union Home Minister should make a detailed statement in both Houses of Parliament. But the government is not ready for anything."

His remarks came as repeated disruptions over the NEET controversy stalled proceedings in both Houses of Parliament. The Opposition has been demanding a debate on the alleged paper leak and police action against student protesters, while also insisting on Pradhan's resignation before discussions take place.