Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of ordering the shooting of students during a session of the Lok Sabha this week.

The allegation marks a significant escalation in parliamentary tension during the 2026 [1] monsoon session. By questioning the Home Minister's absence and linking it to violent state action, Gandhi is challenging the government's record on civil liberties and internal security.

Gandhi addressed the house in New Delhi, where he questioned why Shah was not present for the proceedings. He alleged that the Home Minister was avoiding the session because he was afraid to face the accusations. "He's scared," Gandhi said [1].

The opposition leader further alleged that Shah had directly ordered the shooting of students. This charge sparked an immediate uproar within the chamber, leading to widespread sloganeering from opposition members. The BJP has responded by seeking proof for these claims.

The confrontation occurred as proceedings resumed in the Lok Sabha. The atmosphere remained volatile as opposition members continued to press for accountability regarding the alleged orders to use lethal force against students. Gandhi's remarks focus on the intersection of government authority and the safety of youth protesters, a recurring point of friction in Indian politics.

While the government has not provided a specific reason for Shah's absence during this specific window of the session, the BJP maintains that the allegations are baseless. The demand for evidence remains the primary point of contention between the ruling party and the opposition as the monsoon session continues [1].

“"He's scared"”

This clash underscores the deepening divide between the ruling BJP and the opposition over the use of state force. By framing the Home Minister's absence as a sign of fear rather than a scheduling matter, Gandhi is attempting to shift the narrative from legislative debate to a question of criminal accountability and human rights.