Opposition, NDA MPs stage rival protests outside Indian Parliament

Opposition and ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) lawmakers staged rival protests outside India's Parliament on Tuesday, with the Opposition demanding answers from Home Minister Amit Shah over police action against student protesters and seeking a discussion on alleged irregularities involving donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The two groups protested outside Makar Dwar, one of the main gates of the Parliament building. Security personnel stood between them as lawmakers from both sides raised slogans against each other.

The Opposition wants Shah to appear in Parliament and explain the police crackdown on students in Delhi. It also wants a discussion on allegations of embezzlement involving donations collected for the Ram Temple.

The NDA lawmakers, meanwhile, accused Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of avoiding discussions and practising double standards. They pointed to a recent police crackdown on protesting students in Jharkhand, where Congress is a junior partner in the state government led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

The counter-protest came a day after the government offered to allow Shah to respond to the Opposition's concerns in Parliament.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Shah was ready to answer the Opposition's questions if the House was allowed to function without disruptions.

Rahul Gandhi, however, said the Opposition was not interested in hearing Shah's "opinion" and wanted clear answers about who was responsible for the police action against students.

The Lok Sabha remained adjourned amid continued disruptions, with several days of the Monsoon Session passing without significant legislative business.

As the session entered its final week, Speaker Om Birla urged lawmakers to cooperate.

"The government has stated that the Home Minister is ready to respond. The government has agreed to your main demand, and other issues will also be discussed. Please cooperate," he said.

During the protest, BJP MP Mukesh Dalal raised slogans against Rahul Gandhi as Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at Parliament.

"Sharm karo, sharm karo, Rahul Gandhi, sharm karo," Dalal shouted.

Priyanka Gandhi responded that Rahul Gandhi had already met protesting students in Jharkhand.

"Go to Jharkhand. Why have you not gone to Jharkhand?" Dalal replied as she walked away and joined the Opposition MPs.

Speaking to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi said the Opposition's protest had forced ruling party lawmakers to take to the streets.

"This is the first time we have seen government MPs staging a protest. We have compelled them to this extent. Now, let them come forward and make a statement," she said.