Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during his reply to the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, questioning whether the Congress leader was “even aware of basic parliamentary norms” and accusing him of using unparliamentary language.
The Lok Sabha later passed the anti-paper leak legislation by voice vote.
Participating in the debate, Singh criticised Rahul Gandhi for his remarks during discussions on the issue of examination paper leaks and student protests.
“When such an important Bill is being discussed, instead of offering suggestions, politics is being played over it. The unparliamentary language used by the Leader of the Opposition is shocking; it makes me wonder if he is even aware of basic parliamentary norms,” Singh said.
The Minister also objected to Gandhi’s use of the word “idiots”, asking whether the expression had been used for the youth of the country.
Referring to allegations of police firing during student protests in Delhi, Singh asserted that no shots had been fired and clarified that the use of force, if required, falls under the authority of a magistrate and not a minister.
“It was repeatedly clarified that no shots were fired; tear gas was used. Since no shots were fired, the question of issuing an order does not arise. The authority to issue such an order rests with the magistrate, not the minister,” he said.
Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi’s protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, Singh alleged that the Congress leader was “disappointed and frustrated” at not becoming Prime Minister.
He claimed Gandhi’s actions did not befit the stature of the Leader of the Opposition and alleged that he had ignored advice to maintain parliamentary decorum.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to strengthen the legal framework against examination malpractices by enhancing punishment for offenders. The proposed law provides for imprisonment of not less than five years, extendable up to ten years, compared to the existing provision of three to five years.
The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha by voice vote following the Minister’s reply.
