Rijiju Accuses Opposition of Sidestepping Anti-Paper Leak Bill Debate

New Delhi, Jul 29: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday accused opposition parties of diverting attention from the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, by raising issues unrelated to the proposed legislation during its discussion in the Lok Sabha. Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Rijiju said Congress leaders had failed to address the provisions of the Bill and instead focused on political issues. He expressed hope that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi would speak on the legislation during the debate on Wednesday. "The Bill is of great importance for students, but the opposition is trying to divert attention by discussing unrelated matters and politicising the debate. If the Congress has suggestions to improve the examination system, it is free to present them," Rijiju said. The discussion on the Bill began in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with the government describing it as a key measure to strengthen the integrity of public examinations and safeguard students' interests. The opposition, however, criticised the Centre over the alleged lathi-charge on protesters during the Congress-led July 20 march to Parliament, arguing that the issue could not be separated from concerns affecting young people. Rijiju alleged that several opposition members, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, spoke on matters outside the scope of the Bill. He said he expected Rahul Gandhi to devote at least a part of his speech to the proposed legislation. The minister also criticised Rahul Gandhi's political remarks, saying parliamentary debate should remain civil and respectful despite differences of opinion. He alleged that the Congress leader had used language that was inappropriate for a parliamentary democracy.