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Rijiju criticises Rahul over Anti-Paper Leak Bill debate

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday accused the Opposition of sidestepping the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, and instead turning the parliamentary debate into a political contest.

Addressing reporters in Parliament, 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." He added, "Such an important Bill is being discussed, but they are trying to divert attention by talking about unrelated issues and politicising it."

Calling the proposed law a response to students' concerns over examination integrity, Rijiju urged the Opposition to offer constructive suggestions instead of shifting the focus. Referring to Rahul Gandhi's expected speech, he said, "Even if he speaks for 20 or 30 minutes, at least five minutes should be devoted to the Bill."

The minister also criticised Gandhi's political rhetoric, saying, "One must use civilised and soft language."

Births and deaths Registration Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai presented the proposed legislation before the House for consideration.

JPC tenure on Constitution Amendment Bill extended

Tenure for JPC on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill extended till the first day of the last week of the Winter Session of 2026. The Bill proposes powers to the President/Governors to remove a PM, CM or minister who has been arrested and failed to secure bail within 30 days of being taken into custody.

Rajya Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2pm

Rajya Sabha proceedings was adjourned till 2pm soon after reconvenig at 2. 

Lok Sabha proceedings resume, Opposition adjournment notices rejected

Lok Sabha reconvened on Wednesday, with the Chair informing members that all adjournment notices submitted by Opposition MPs had been rejected by the Speaker.

Presiding over the sitting, N.K. Premachandran announced that none of the requests seeking suspension of the listed business had been admitted. He then informed the House that the day's scheduled agenda would continue as planned.

Khera defends Priyanka, hits back at Pralhad Joshi

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera on Wednesday rejected Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's demand for action against Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her remarks on his appointment as Education Minister, saying the BJP leader should first answer for his own past statements.

Referring to Joshi's alleged position on the release of those convicted in the Bilkis Bano case, Khera said, "On what grounds? He is all over the place welcoming the release of rapists of Bilkis Bano, on what grounds? Is he a fool? He doesn't realise what he's saying. Everything is archived these days. These are not times when you have to, like Nishikant Dubey, invent facts. This is an era where facts are there. You just have to dig a little, you'll find out," reported ANI.

Defending the Opposition's stand, Khera said, "We are very proud that we politicise the right issues." He added that the Congress would continue pressing the government on examination-related concerns, saying, "Our strategy is very simple. We will continue to hold the government accountable for all the excesses that they've done against the youth."

CJP threatens fresh protest over FIR withdrawal delay

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday accused the Centre of failing to honour its assurance on withdrawing cases filed against student protesters, saying it was still awaiting a written commitment despite an agreed deadline.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said he met government representatives earlier in the day, where officials cited a Supreme Court direction permitting investigations into the existing FIRs. According to Das, the government maintained that the issue had become "sub judice."

"I asked them directly whether or not they would provide the guarantee in writing. We have received no response from them so far," Das said.

Calling the silence a breach of trust, he warned the government was "about to commit a massive betrayal of the country's youth." Das added, "You must honour the promises made to the students. We want you to keep your word regarding any future decisions taken in the interest of students."

He cautioned that the CJP would launch "another massive protest" if the assurances were not fulfilled.

Tharoor seeks stronger safeguards in Anti-Paper Leak Bill

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said the proposed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, places too much emphasis on punishment while falling short on measures to stop question paper leaks before they occur.

Speaking on the legislation, Tharoor welcomed stricter penalties but argued that prevention should be the primary focus. "The Bill provides for just punishment and fast-track courts. Punishment is fine. But before reaching the punishment, bring in provisions to prevent paper leaks. I have made a few suggestions in my address and article," he said.

Tharoor also questioned the government's reliance on fast-track courts, pointing to the existing backlog in the judicial system.

"Our Govt is speaking about fast track courts. But what experience do we have with fast track courts?" he asked, citing court data to argue that pending cases continue to rise despite the creation of such courts.

He maintained that stronger judicial infrastructure was necessary for the legislation to be effective. "Justice is not warranted merely by the passing of rules. You need to appoint new judges, additional judges and perhaps set up new courts as well as new prosecutors. If the judicial sustem does not have the capacity, what is the use of announcing new courts?..." Tharoor said as quoted by ANI.

Priyanka defends remarks on Pralhad Joshi

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday defended her remarks against Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, saying she had only stated facts and would not retract her comments despite criticism from the ruling party.

Responding to questions from reporters outside Parliament, Priyanka said, "What was unparliamentary about it? It was simply the truth. If they want to punish me for speaking the truth—well, I will speak the truth."

She referred to videos and photographs that, according to her, raised questions about Joshi's past actions.

"You have seen that there are videos—and it is not just this instance. Who inducted the man into the BJP who was involved in the Mangalore pub assault on women? Pralhad Joshi did. He was expelled five hours later—or whenever it was—but there is a photograph of him being inducted," she said as quoted by ANI.

The Congress leader argued that the issue extended beyond a single episode. "It is not just a single incident, but it reflects his attitude towards women..." she added.

Her remarks came a day after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Joshi over his appointment as Union Education Minister, prompting an equally strong response from the BJP. Joshi challenged the Congress leaders to substantiate their allegations, while Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Opposition of indulging in character assassination.

The exchange has added to the political confrontation surrounding Joshi's elevation to the Education Ministry, with both the Congress and the BJP trading allegations inside and outside Parliament.

Delhi Police asks X to remove posts targeting PM Modi

Days after Meta said it had mistakenly removed a Facebook video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, another social media dispute has surfaced, this time involving X.

Delhi Police has written to the Elon Musk-owned platform, asking it to remove posts and videos containing abusive or derogatory remarks against the Prime Minister and other constitutional authorities. The communication also seeks details of the accounts behind the content, including login and logout records, timestamps, names, addresses, contact numbers and email IDs, reported the Hindustan Times.

Police have asked X to preserve all material linked to the posts for the ongoing inquiry and furnish a certificate under Section 63(4) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

The request follows complaints over objectionable content uploaded during student protests at Jantar Mantar and the police action linked to the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march led by the Cockroach Janta Party. The investigation is now centred on identifying those responsible for the posts.