‘Idiots’, ‘andhbhakts’, attack on Amit Shah: Rahul Gandhi’s speech triggers storm in LS

The Lok Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes on Wednesday (July 29) after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi made remarks like "idiots" and "andhbhakts" while attacking the BJP and later alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had authorised the use of pellet guns against students during the recent anti-paper leak protests.

The remarks triggered repeated disruptions, with Treasury bench MPs demanding that Rahul's comments be expunged and insisting he apologise for making what they called baseless allegations against the home minister.

Also read: BJP MLA booked over 'provocative remarks' against Rahul Gandhi; Cong seeks strict action

Accusing Rahul of making "baseless" and "irresponsible" charges, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded an immediate apology or retraction. The confrontation eventually led to Rahul being unable to complete his speech during the debate on the anti-paper leak bill.

Rahul targets RSS, home minister

Opening his speech, Rahul praised the student protests, describing them as a powerful expression of India's youth rather than an act of violence or hatred. "I was very excited and reassured by what the future of this country did on our streets. This was not anger, violence or hatred. This was a deep expression of the youth of this country," he said.

The Congress MP argued that students were protesting against paper leaks, rising education costs and privatisation, while accusing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of controlling the country's education system.

"The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is superficial because he never ran the Education Ministry. The organisation that ran the ministry is called the RSS," Rahul alleged, adding that vice-chancellors across universities were being appointed from the RSS ecosystem.

Also read: Rahul: Modi India's past, can't fight future

The sharpest exchange came when Rahul turned his attention to Amit Shah. "I am very happy to see that the so-called home minister of the country doesn't have the courage to come and sit here," he said before alleging, "The home minister authorised the shooting of our students. He authorised pellets. He authorised students to be shot."

BJP MPs protest

The allegation prompted immediate protests from BJP MPs, who rose from their seats shouting slogans. Kiren Rijiju objected strongly, saying the Leader of the Opposition had levelled an extremely serious allegation without producing any evidence.

"How can you make such allegations? You are the Leader of the Opposition. Speak responsibly. Who gave you this information? With what facts are you making these allegations? You have to apologise," Rijiju said.

Speaker Om Birla repeatedly asked Rahul to confine his remarks to the legislation under discussion and refrain from making allegations against individuals. "You can demand an inquiry, but you cannot level allegations against individuals," Birla said, adding that any unsubstantiated remarks would not form part of the official record.

Rijiju warned that allowing such allegations without evidence would set a dangerous precedent.

Also read: Rahul presents student injured by pellet gun, calls Pradhan 'criminal education minister'

"If you don't apologise or retract, we will not let the House function. Tomorrow anyone can stand up and accuse another member of anything," he said, challenging Rahul to produce documentary proof that the Home Minister had issued such an order.

'Idiot' and 'andhbhakt' remarks

Earlier in his speech, Rahul had narrated a conversation with a student to argue that genuine students remain open to learning, unlike people who believe they know everything.

While recounting the anecdote, he used the words "idiot" and "andhbhakt", triggering another round of protests from the Treasury benches. BJP members accused him of using unparliamentary language and insulting members of the House. "Andhbhakt" is a derogatory term used for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "blind fans".

Also read: BJP rejects reports of offer to shift Dharmendra Pradhan during CJP talks

Rahul maintained that he was describing categories of people rather than referring to any MP. "If you don't like that word, I'll use some other word," he said, insisting he had not directed the remarks at anyone in Parliament.

Following objections from BJP MPs, Speaker Birla ordered the expressions to be expunged from the proceedings.

Government hits back

Replying to the debate after Rahul's speech was cut short, Union Minister Jitendra Singh accused the Congress leader of being unfamiliar with parliamentary rules and making factually incorrect statements. "The Leader of the Opposition doesn't know the basic rules of Parliament. Orders to open fire are issued by magistrates, not by any minister," Singh said.

He also rejected Rahul's allegations outright, asserting that no firing had taken place during the student protests.

Referring to Opposition claims of police excesses, Singh said security forces had exercised "utmost restraint" during the demonstrations to ensure there were no casualties.

Amid the disruptions, the Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 by voice vote and the House was adjourned for the day.