'Those who hit students are roaming free': Rajya Sabha witnesses fiery Kharge vs JP Nadda face-off

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha witnessed heated exchanges on Wednesday as the Opposition and the government locked horns over the police action against protesters during the recent CJP (Campaign for Judicial and Parliamentary reforms) march to Parliament. Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Centre of using police machinery to suppress dissent, while Leader of the House JP Nadda defended the action, saying the police acted to maintain law and order.

Raising the issue in the Upper House, Kharge alleged that democratic institutions were under threat and criticised the police for entering the office of a national political party during the operation.

'Democracy is not safe, people are not safe. They are entering the office of a national party to arrest anyone,' Kharge said, demanding accountability from the government over the handling of the protest.

The Congress leader also questioned why those responsible for the alleged assault on students had not been brought to justice, asserting that 'those who hit students are roaming free.'

Opposition members backed his demand for a discussion on the police action and sought a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Responding to the allegations, Union Minister and Leader of the House JP Nadda rejected the Opposition's claims, maintaining that the Delhi Police acted within the framework of the law to prevent disruption and ensure public order.

'The police acted to maintain law and order,' Nadda said, accusing the Opposition of attempting to politicise routine policing measures.

The confrontation stems from the CJP protest, where students, youth groups and Opposition leaders marched towards Parliament demanding action on issues including alleged examination irregularities and broader concerns over governance.

Police stopped the protesters near the Parliament complex, leading to detentions and allegations of excessive force by the Opposition.

The government has maintained that security personnel acted only after protesters attempted to breach restrictions imposed in the high-security zone.

The sharp exchange between Kharge and Nadda led to noisy scenes in the Rajya Sabha, with Opposition members raising slogans and pressing for an immediate discussion on the issue.