NDA MPs Question Rahul Gandhi’s Silence Over Jharkhand Student Protest

New Delhi, August 11, 2026; A fresh political confrontation erupted on Tuesday as NDA MPs criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged silence on the police action during a student protest in Jharkhand.

The ruling alliance staged a demonstration in the national capital, accusing the Opposition of raising issues outside Parliament while allegedly preventing meaningful discussion inside the House. The Jharkhand student agitation became a key point of attack during the protest.

BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi sought an explanation from Gandhi over the absence of any public response from him regarding the confrontation between security personnel and students in Ranchi. She said the Congress leader should clarify his position on the matter.

BJP leader Anurag Thakur also criticised Gandhi, arguing that the concerns of young protesters in Jharkhand required attention and accountability. He further accused the Congress of making political allegations against the Centre while not allowing Parliament to function effectively.

BJP MP Tarun Chugh similarly questioned Gandhi’s absence from the debate surrounding the Jharkhand incident and urged him to address the issue in Parliament.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde joined the criticism, claiming that the Union Home Minister was prepared to discuss the student agitation in the House but that disruptions were preventing the proceedings from moving forward.

BJP MP Jagadambika Pal also referred to the reported use of water cannons and batons during the Ranchi demonstration and questioned the Opposition’s response to the incident.

The political exchange comes against the backdrop of protests by aspirants of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. The protesters have raised concerns over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and have sought cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI investigation and changes to the recruitment system.

The dispute has now expanded beyond Jharkhand, with the handling of the student agitation becoming another point of confrontation between the government and Opposition amid continuing tensions over the functioning of Parliament.