Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday, 21 July, accused the ruling government of systematically suppressing the Opposition's voice in Parliament, alleging that his party was denied the opportunity to raise concerns over police action against student protesters who had gathered in New Delhi the previous day. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Kharge questioned whether such conduct was consistent with democratic norms.

What Kharge Alleged Inside Parliament

Kharge said the Congress had sought time to speak on what he described as an 'assault on students' who had participated in the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led 'Sansad Chalo' march. He alleged that protesters were subjected to lathi-charge, tear gas, and physical assault, with several left injured and hospitalised.

'Today, we wanted to raise the issue of the students who were assaulted. They were lathi-charged, tear gas was used against them, they were beaten up, and many of them are now in hospitals. We wanted to raise our voice in Parliament against this injustice, these atrocities, and the pressure being created on them. We had sought time to speak, and when we stood up, after uttering just one word, the microphone was switched off. This is democracy? If, in a democracy, you do not want a debate and do not want to listen to the Opposition, then where should we go?' Kharge said.

Demands for Transparency on Nadda Meeting

Kharge also pressed for disclosure of what transpired during a meeting between Union Minister J.P. Nadda and representatives of the CJP. He alleged that the contents of that meeting — and any internal discussions that followed — had been withheld from the public and Parliament.

'Students from every corner of the country have come here to raise their concerns. We even wanted to know what was discussed in the meeting between Nadda ji and them (CJP representatives), and what was then discussed by Nadda ji internally. This is something that the country should know,' he said.

Opposition MPs 'Confined Like in a Jail'

Extending his allegations to Monday's parliamentary proceedings, Kharge claimed that Opposition MPs were physically prevented from moving freely inside Parliament. 'Yesterday too, whatever we wanted to talk about, when we raised it, they didn't even give us a chance. Instead, we were kept inside like in a jail, and we weren't allowed to come out. What is this? If MPs cannot even come outside Parliament, then if they don't have security, who does?' he said.

He further warned that the government's conduct was pushing the country toward what he called 'anarchy', and held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Home Minister responsible for failing to address the situation or engage with the Opposition inside the House.

Congress Vows to Continue Raising Student Issues

Reiterating the party's position, Kharge said the Congress would not be deterred and would continue to speak on matters concerning students and public welfare. He also referenced the Ram Mandir issue as among the subjects the Opposition intended to pursue. Notably, this is not the first time the Congress has alleged microphone cutoffs and procedural suppression during the current session — Opposition parties have raised similar complaints in previous sittings. The incident adds fresh friction to an already contentious parliamentary session.