New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Union Minister of State and Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of promoting “anarchy, lies and hypocrisy” and deliberately avoiding debates in Parliament on issues concerning the country.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Malhotra alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s political conduct had exposed what he described as a “double-faced and anarchic character”, particularly in the wake of the alleged treatment of students by the Congress-supported government in Jharkhand. He challenged Gandhi and the entire Opposition to return to Parliament and participate in debates rather than disrupting proceedings.
“I challenge Rahul Gandhi and the entire Opposition through this press conference: Come to Parliament and discuss every issue concerning the country, from the students’ movement to every other matter. But do not run away from discussion and do not disrupt Parliament,” Malhotra said.
The Delhi BJP chief alleged that Rahul Gandhi had first attempted to “hijack” the students’ movement for political purposes and was now attempting to do the same with Parliament. According to Malhotra, the Congress leader had sought to use the youth as a political instrument during protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, but the developments in Jharkhand had exposed what he called the Opposition’s political hypocrisy.
Malhotra claimed that certain “criminal and anti-national elements” had attempted to infiltrate the student protests in Delhi and create violence, including an alleged attempt to enter Parliament. He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi had positioned himself outside the Prime Minister’s residence and made claims about the alleged suppression of students, including allegations of pellet firing.
He contrasted the situation in Delhi with the developments in Jharkhand, where, he alleged, students faced “inhuman treatment” during protests on Monday. Malhotra demanded that Rahul Gandhi clarify his position on the Hemant Soren-led government, which is supported by the Congress.
“Rahul Gandhi should come forward and tell the country when he will bring down the Hemant Soren government, which stands with Congress support. Otherwise, the country would conclude that the suppression of students in Jharkhand took place with Congress’ approval,” he said.
Malhotra also criticised the Opposition for disrupting Parliament, asserting that the legislature remains the constitutional forum for raising and debating public issues. He said those who frequently invoke the Constitution should also respect parliamentary procedures and allow elected representatives to debate matters of national importance.
“Those who carry a copy of the Constitution in their pockets are not only disregarding it by running away from discussions in Parliament, but are also attempting to hijack Parliament,” Malhotra said.
He also referred to the political developments surrounding student protests in Delhi and accused opposition parties of attempting to mobilise young people around allegations related to the NEET examination paper leak. According to Malhotra, a political platform called CJP was formed in Delhi and allegedly sought to provoke students and demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Malhotra said the Narendra Modi government had responded to the concerns of students by deputing two senior Union Ministers to engage with student representatives. He claimed that the government accepted the students’ demands, bringing the protest to an end.
He further said Parliament subsequently passed legislation providing for strict action against examination paper leaks, despite what he described as non-cooperation from the Opposition. Malhotra contrasted this response with the alleged handling of student protests in Jharkhand and said the treatment of students there would not be forgotten by the people.
The BJP leader also spoke about the functioning of Parliament and said efforts were being made by the government and parliamentary authorities to ensure that important national issues could be discussed. He said that, in his capacity as Delhi BJP president as well as Union Minister of State, he worked alongside the Presiding Officers of both Houses and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to facilitate the functioning of Parliament.
According to Malhotra, the government had repeatedly conveyed its willingness to discuss issues raised by the Opposition. He said Rijiju had made it clear on Monday that the government was prepared to debate all issues and that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also ready to participate in discussions.
Malhotra, however, accused Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders of refusing to participate in meaningful debate and instead disrupting proceedings. He alleged that their objective was not to champion students’ interests but to prevent the government from passing what he described as several important and transformative bills.
The BJP leader maintained that Parliament should not be reduced to a platform for political confrontation and that issues affecting students, young people and the wider public should be addressed through structured debate and legislative scrutiny.
The press conference was conducted by Delhi BJP Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor and attended by State Minister Gaurav Khari and Yuva Morcha President Rajat Chaudhary. Delhi BJP spokesperson Yaser Jilani and Media Relations Head Subhendu Shekhar Awasthi were also present.
Stepping up his political attack, Malhotra predicted a major electoral setback for the Congress and Opposition in the next general election. He claimed that 2029 would be a year of political “wipeout” for them and asserted that Gen Z would play a decisive role in that outcome.
His remarks come amid continuing political confrontation between the BJP-led government and the Opposition over the functioning of Parliament, student-related issues and allegations concerning the handling of protests. While the BJP has accused the Opposition of deliberately obstructing legislative business, opposition parties have consistently maintained that protests and disruptions are part of their effort to raise issues they consider important.
Malhotra's comments underline the widening political battle over student protests and parliamentary functioning, with both sides seeking to present themselves as the stronger voice for young Indians and democratic accountability.
