Ayodhya set to replace paper leak row as Opposition's next battle in Parliament

With the student protest over the alleged paper leak issue drawing to a close, the Opposition is preparing to pivot its parliamentary strategy towards the alleged Ayodhya donation theft controversy, while continuing to press the Centre over its handling of the agitation and other contentious issues in the Monsoon Session.

INDIA bloc is expected to meet on Monday to chalk out its next course of action as the Centre prepares to introduce a Bill on fast-track courts for paper leak cases. According to a report by Times of India's Subodh Ghildiyal, the opposition is likely to sharpen its attack on the alleged Ayodhya donation theft once the paper leak issue recedes from the centre of parliamentary debate.

Also read: Prahlad Joshi assumes charge as Union Education Minister after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation


The alleged embezzlement linked to the Ram Janmabhoomi trust had initially figured prominently in the opposition's strategy at the start of the session before nationwide student protests over the paper leak controversy overtook the political discourse.

Protests over, political fallout inevitable?

Even as the agitation has ended, its political fallout is expected to continue. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of being "directly responsible" for authorising the use of "lethal weapons" against students during the protests, calling it a major issue that the opposition intends to pursue in Parliament. Gandhi has also demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to students.

The opposition has been pressing for a discussion on the paper leak controversy, with the government earlier indicating a willingness to allow a debate through an adjournment motion. However, according to the report, the Centre may now seek to combine discussions on the issue with the proposed legislation on fast-track courts.

Once that debate concludes, opposition parties are expected to turn their attention to the Ayodhya controversy. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have reportedly been insistent on raising the issue, with Left parties also showing interest.

Also read: Mahua Moitra jibes at Dharmendra Pradhan after exit: 'In the frenzy of erasing Mughal history, Pradhanji ended up erasing himself'

Poll battle for UP, Uttarakhand

The opposition believes the controversy could help challenge the BJP on an issue closely associated with the party's politics, particularly because the allegations have drawn attention to organisations linked to the Ram temple movement, including the temple trust. With Assembly elections due in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in early 2027, opposition leaders are said to view the issue as politically significant among sections of the majority community.

It remains unclear whether the opposition will seek a standard parliamentary discussion or push for an adjournment motion, a route the government may be reluctant to accept because of its procedural and political implications.

Apart from these issues, opposition strategists are also monitoring developments around the proposed India-US trade agreement, which has drawn criticism from some farmers' groups over agricultural concessions. The controversy surrounding ethanol fuel policy is also expected to feature prominently in the opposition's agenda during the session.

(With inputs from ToI's Subodh Ghildiyal)