Bilkis Banu, pellet guns and PM's Instagram takeover; Ruling-opposition spar over NEET protest in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's remarks about Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi sparked a war of words between the ruling and opposition parties in the Lok Sabha yesterday. The war of words took place during the discussion on the Prevention of Public Examination Malpractices Bill. Priyanka alleged that the new Education Minister Pralhad Joshi supported those who raped pregnant Bilkis Banu during the Gujarat riots.

The discussion on the bill began at 2 pm as the opposition raised a ruckus over the violence against students. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the bill is proof of the government's commitment not to compromise on the future of the country's children. Then he revealed the details of the question paper leaks during the UPA era, which irked Congress members. BJP member Anurag Thakur pointed out the PSC exam irregularities in Kerala.

"It doesn't matter if Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a new video on his mobile phone with a new angle to win the trust of the youth. Are the youth terrorists for the police to use pellet guns and AK-47 in Delhi? What is the reason for tearing the clothes of girls? The fact that Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned, was welcomed like a superstar in Parliament gives a wrong message. At that time, a family in Maharashtra was mourning the suicide of their daughter," said Priyanka.

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) reportedly had 12 pellet guns to counter the Janata Party's parliamentary protest on the 20th against the NEET exam irregularities. The pellet guns were allegedly used against the students. This matter came to light during an internal investigation conducted by the CRPF. The pellet gun was used by an officer of the Rapid Action Force deployed at Connaught Place. This was verified by the C.R.P.F. investigation team. In addition to the pellet guns, 15 electric shells, 55 non-electric shells and five tear gas shells were used.