New Delhi, 11 August (H.S.): The political confrontation between the government and the Opposition intensified in Parliament on Tuesday, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urging Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to remain present in the House and participate in a proposed discussion on the recent student protests.

Rijiju said Union Home Minister Amit Shah was ready to respond in detail to the questions raised by Gandhi over the alleged police action against students. He accused the Congress leader of avoiding the discussion now that the government had agreed to address the issue.

The dispute has repeatedly disrupted proceedings during the Monsoon Session, with Opposition members demanding accountability over the alleged use of force against protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. The Opposition has sought clarification on who authorised the police action and has demanded that the matter be examined in Parliament.

The government, meanwhile, has offered a discussion on the issue, with Shah expected to respond to the concerns raised by Opposition members. Rijiju urged the Opposition to participate in the debate instead of continuing to disrupt parliamentary proceedings.

Earlier in the day, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance held its weekly parliamentary meeting, known as Mangal Milan, at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament Library Building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah, BJP president Nitin Nabin and other senior NDA leaders attended the meeting. NDA MPs were also seen waving the national flag during the gathering.

The ruling alliance subsequently planned a march towards Parliament, accusing the Opposition of obstructing proceedings despite the government's willingness to hold a discussion on the student protest issue. NDA members were expected to carry placards highlighting the Home Minister's readiness to respond in Parliament.

Meanwhile, Opposition floor leaders were scheduled to meet to formulate their strategy for the day's proceedings. Congress leaders continued to demand answers regarding the alleged police action, keeping the political standoff alive.

The day's legislative agenda also included several important Bills. Among them was the proposed Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, which seeks to change the state's official name to Keralam. Other proposed legislation included the National Cooperative Development Corporation Bill, the Tribunals Reforms Bill and amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) law.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar