New Delhi, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday stepped up its criticism of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, questioning his performance in the post and accusing him of engaging in political theatrics. Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy, however, defended Gandhi and praised his intervention in support of protesting students.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh, speaking in Mumbai, alleged that Gandhi had failed to discharge the responsibilities associated with the office of Leader of Opposition. He also accused the Opposition of politicising the debate surrounding Vande Mataram.
“Rahul Gandhi is unfortunately the Leader of Opposition of India, but he has never fulfilled the duties of a LoP,” Singh said, while referring to Gandhi’s recent protest over an alleged pellet-gun incident involving students.
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh also criticised Gandhi, questioning his decision to visit other places instead of Jharkhand, where students have been protesting over issues concerning them.
“He isn’t going to Jharkhand, where students are protesting for their own interest. Their government is in power there, and the decision taken by the government was proven wrong by the court,” Ghosh said.
BJP leader T.R. Sriniwas accused Gandhi of engaging in what he described as “politics kishton pe”, or politics in instalments, while referring to his protest at Parliament Street Police Station.
However, Roy praised Gandhi for taking up the students’ cause and pressing the police to register an FIR concerning the alleged use of pellets.
“I am happy that Rahul Gandhi, as a Leader of the Opposition, fought for the students’ cause. He staged a protest for nine hours, and finally, an FIR was registered regarding the police action and police atrocities against the students. This is a major achievement for Rahul Gandhi,” Roy said.
The contrasting reactions underscore the political divide over Gandhi’s recent intervention, with the BJP questioning his conduct as LoP while the Trinamool Congress has backed his support for the protesting students.
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