Akhilesh Yadav, Kiren Rijiju spar over paper leaks in Parliament

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent on recurring paper leaks and students' concerns, saying the Opposition would continue its protests if the government failed to address the issue, even as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre was ready for a discussion in Parliament but not amid disruptions.

The remarks came during a stormy day in Parliament, where proceedings were repeatedly disrupted as Opposition members protested against the alleged police action on students demonstrating over paper leaks at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and the detention of senior leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Yadav, during Tuesday's protest.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav among Opposition leaders briefly detained during protest near PM's residence


"Why is Prime Minister Modi silent on paper leaks and students' issues inside Parliament? We were forced to go outside his residence yesterday. This is not the issue of one political party; we are all fighting for the students," Yadav addressed Speaker Om Birla.

He alleged that the students protesting in Delhi had been subjected to excessive force by the police.

"More than seeking resignations, we will continue to protest if students are not being heard. The way the students were treated -- they were beaten, heads were broken, girls' clothes were torn. Do you want to behave this way with the daughters of India?" he said.

Also Read: Opposition MPs wear black to parliament, stage protest against 'police brutality' on student protestors

Earlier in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was prepared to hold a discussion on the issue of paper leaks but urged the Opposition to allow Parliament to function.

"The government is ready to discuss the paper leak issue, but there should be discussion, not ruckus," Rijiju said as Opposition members continued sloganeering in the House.

The Opposition has been demanding a discussion on alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and paper leaks, while also condemning the police action against students protesting at Jantar Mantar. The issue triggered repeated disruptions in the Lok Sabha, with Opposition MPs raising slogans and pressing the government to respond to students' concerns.