‘Has Someone Stitched Your Mouth Shut?’: Kharge Questions Amit Shah’s Silence Over CJP Protest Crackdown

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge questioned Home Minister Amit Shah's absence from Parliament and alleged silence over the police action during the CJP protest, triggering a political clash in Rajya Sabha.

Post Published By: Sreeja Chowdhury
Updated : 30 July 2026, 3:42 PM IST
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New Delhi: The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, has taken up cudgels against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his alleged absence from Parliament and for keeping quiet over the security forces' action against protestors belonging to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

This comes at a time when Kharge is delivering a speech in the Upper House in the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Kharge Raises Questions Over Shah's Silence

While addressing the House, Kharge raised questions regarding why Amit Shah has not spoken out about the allegations made by some sections over the actions of the police during the protests held on July 20, 'Chalo Sansad' rally.

"You are the Home Minister. It happened in Delhi. Still, in spite of all this, you did not utter a single word. Is your mouth sewed up by someone?" Kharge said.

However, these statements have raised objections among BJP members of the House, including its president JP Nadda.

Allegations Against Protest Action by Congress

According to Kharge, too much force had been used by the authorities on protesters, including students, and he demanded responsibility from the government.

"They have taken out pellet guns against children from villages, from different states; one has lost his eye, one has lost his ear, somebody has lost his hand. Who is responsible for it? It is the Home Minister who is responsible," Kharge said.

Later, he specified that he meant "dragging out" the Home Minister through people’s power and not through any personal actions.

"What I said was janshakti (people’s power), which includes students and women also. What I didn’t say was dragging out the Home Minister personally," Kharge said.

Amit Shah Criticised By Rahul Gandhi Also

Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised Amit Shah for his absence in Parliament and silence on the issue.

Several Congress MPs have demanded an explanation from the Home Minister over the allegations of the use of force against protesters.

Kharge Criticises Anti-Paper Leak Bill

Speaking during the same session in Rajya Sabha, Kharge also criticized the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 for being inadequate in dealing with paper leak issues.

According to him, increased penalties alone would not solve the problems of unfair practices in exams, but reforms in the examination process were required.

"This is where real reforms will be needed and how you conduct your exams," Kharge said while opposing the amendments.

His comments have added fuel to the fire in the political standoff between the opposition and the government regarding the issue of protests, exam reforms, and the involvement of the Home Ministry.

Location :  New Delhi

Published :  30 July 2026, 3:42 PM IST

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