New Delhi: Parliament witnessed heated exchanges and Opposition protests on Thursday as key legislation, including the Vande Mataram Bill and the amended anti-paper leak law, moved ahead amid continuing political tension over the NEET controversy and alleged police action against protesting students. The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote, extending legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram. Under the proposed provisions, intentionally preventing the singing of Vande Mataram or disrupting a gathering where it is being sung could attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. Repeat offenders could face a minimum jail term of one year. Soon after the Bill was passed, sloganeering broke out in the Lok Sabha and the House was adjourned for the day. The legislation became the first Bill to clear both Houses during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

The debate also saw sharp political differences over the legislation. Minister of State for Home Nityananda Rai accused the Congress of failing to give Vande Mataram the respect it deserved during its years in power. Opposition members questioned the need for the law, with DMK MP Kanimozhi describing it as a political move presented in the name of nationalism. BJP MP Sambit Patra countered the criticism and accused previous governments of failing to properly honour the national song. At the same time, the political temperature remained high in the Rajya Sabha, where Congress president and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of alleged police excesses against students protesting over the NEET paper leak. Kharge demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation and questioned who had authorised the alleged use of lathis, tear gas and pellet guns against protesters. He claimed that more than 100 students were injured. Leader of the House J P Nadda hit back at the Opposition, accusing it of repeatedly disrupting Parliament despite the government's willingness to discuss issues.

The Rajya Sabha also passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, a day after it cleared the Lok Sabha. The legislation proposes tougher punishment for people involved in examination fraud and paper leaks. The minimum jail term for unfair means would rise from three years to five years, while the maximum punishment could extend to 10 years. The maximum fine would increase to Rs 50 lakh. Organised examination-related crimes could attract a minimum seven-year prison term and fines of up to Rs 10 crore. The Bill also provides for Special Fast Track Courts and a Special Task Force to investigate such offences. Union Minister Jitendra Singh defended the changes, saying they reflected the government's commitment to protecting students and ensuring zero tolerance towards paper leaks. Kharge, however, argued that harsher punishment alone would not fix problems in the examination system and called for wider reforms, including a fixed examination calendar and an independent investigation into the police action against protesters.

Outside Parliament, Congress and other INDIA bloc MPs continued their protests, demanding answers from the government over the alleged use of excessive force against students. Inside the Rajya Sabha, Opposition MPs sought a statement from Amit Shah, but Chairman C P Radhakrishnan rejected the demand and continued with House proceedings. Opposition members later staged a walkout. Away from the confrontation in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a nearly two-hour high-level meeting with senior ministers and officials to review India's preparedness amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. The government said there was no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG or fertilisers and maintained that adequate urea stocks were available for the coming crop seasons. The meeting was attended by senior ministers and officials including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman, Hardeep Singh Puri, Piyush Goyal and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against protesters during the July 20 Parliament march, alleging that the crackdown could not have taken place without instructions from the home minister. Speaking to journalists in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dipke said he agreed with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had made similar allegations a day earlier and sought Shah’s resignation. Dipke alleged that students protesting against examination irregularities were attacked and injured during the march and claimed responsibility for the action ultimately rested with the home ministry. His remarks come amid an intensifying political row over the handling of the July 20 demonstration and allegations of excessive force by security personnel. The allegations against Shah remain claims made by Dipke and Gandhi, and the material provided does not establish that the home minister personally ordered the police action.

Dipke also rejected allegations that the CJP received foreign funding, turning the charge back on the government. He argued that if an organisation was actually receiving foreign funds while Shah headed the home ministry, it would represent a failure of the ministry itself. The CJP founder went further, making serious allegations about the violence reported during the July 20 protest. He claimed Delhi Police had orchestrated stone-pelting to create grounds for action against demonstrators. According to Dipke, a truck carrying stones and a damaged vehicle were brought to the Jantar Mantar protest site to create the impression that police action had followed violence by protesters. He alleged that people associated with the BJP threw stones while students were subsequently blamed. These claims have not been established as fact in the information provided. Dipke also alleged that he and his family had previously received threats intended to pressure him into joining the BJP. He claimed his parents were threatened and that the family was told he should join the party or face consequences. The BJP has denied allegations that Dipke or members of his family were threatened.

BJP leader Keshav Upadhye hit back at Dipke, accusing him of turning the student agitation into a political campaign. Upadhye argued that the BJP-led government had responded to protesters’ demands by bringing legislation against paper leaks and accepting the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He said Dipke should have acknowledged those developments instead of engaging in politics and suggested that he join the Congress if he wanted to follow Rahul Gandhi’s political line. The confrontation comes days after Pradhan resigned following weeks of protests over examination irregularities that repeatedly disrupted central Delhi and gave the Opposition a major issue to target the government. His resignation followed large demonstrations in which students crossed police barricades during protests that became among the most significant street agitations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. Since the July 20 Parliament march, security forces have faced allegations of using excessive force while dispersing demonstrators. Dipke’s decision to echo Rahul Gandhi’s demand for Amit Shah’s resignation has now pushed the controversy further into the political arena, with the CJP and Opposition questioning accountability for the police action while the BJP rejects the allegations and accuses Dipke of pursuing a political agenda.

A fresh political controversy erupted on Wednesday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of authorising the use of force against students during the July 20 protest in Delhi. The remarks, made during the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, drew strong objections from the treasury benches and prompted an immediate response from the government. Gandhi alleged that the home minister had "ordered the students of India to be shot" and claimed that only the Prime Minister or the Home Minister could authorise such action. Referring to the alleged use of pellet guns during the protest, he argued that if Shah had not issued such an order, then he was unaware of what had happened on the ground. Gandhi also questioned the absence of the home minister from the House during the debate, saying he should answer the allegations.

The controversy gained further momentum after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das backed Rahul Gandhi's claims and demanded accountability from the Union Home Minister. In a post on X, Das said Gandhi's remarks raised "serious concerns" about Amit Shah's role in the July 20 police action and called for an explanation from the Centre. He alleged that a student had permanently lost vision because of the police crackdown and said every life was valuable, adding that the home minister must answer questions surrounding the incident. The CJP's statement came days after the party ended its month-long protest following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The student agitation over alleged examination irregularities has remained at the centre of political debate, with Opposition parties repeatedly accusing the government of using excessive force against demonstrators.

The BJP strongly rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations, calling them baseless and unsupported by evidence. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju interrupted Gandhi's speech and asked him to produce proof for his claims. "You said the Home Minister ordered firing. Show the order," Rijiju said, demanding that the Congress leader withdraw his remarks and apologise. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also reminded members that serious allegations against individuals cannot be made in the House without prior notice and supporting evidence. Speaking to reporters later, Rijiju said the government was upset because Rahul Gandhi had focused more on political accusations than on the provisions of the anti-paper leak bill. He also clarified that ministers do not issue orders for police firing and that such decisions fall within the authority of the magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate present at the spot.

The exchange has once again brought the July 20 protest under the political spotlight. Reports citing a Delhi Police station diary entry have claimed that pellet rounds were used during the protest on the orders of a senior police officer, adding another layer to the ongoing debate. However, responding in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Jitendra Singh rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations and asserted that no shots were fired during the protest. He said only tear gas had been used to control the situation and reiterated that orders to open fire, if ever required, are issued by the magistrate and not by a Union minister. With both sides standing by their positions, the controversy is expected to continue even after Parliament cleared the anti-paper leak bill, keeping the focus on the government's handling of the student protests as much as on the examination reforms themselves.

Parliament is set for another politically charged day on Thursday as the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 moves to the Rajya Sabha, a day after it was passed by the Lok Sabha following a heated debate over paper leaks and recent student protests. The Upper House is expected to take up the legislation around 2 pm, with nearly seven hours reportedly set aside for discussion. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Mukul Wasnik are among those expected to participate. The proposed law seeks to strengthen action against examination malpractices through tougher penalties for paper leaks, Special Task Forces and Fast Track Courts. The Lok Sabha cleared the legislation by voice vote on Wednesday after a marathon discussion that began Tuesday afternoon and continued until late in the evening before resuming the following day. The debate, however, was dominated as much by the political confrontation over the treatment of protesting students as by the provisions of the bill itself.

The political fight continued outside the House after BJP leaders rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations concerning the July 20 student protest. BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra said no shots were fired at students and rejected Gandhi's allegation that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had ordered firing. Patra argued that Gandhi had produced no evidence to support the charge and said decisions involving firing are taken by a magistrate rather than a Union minister. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also targeted the Leader of Opposition during his reply to the debate, accusing him of using unparliamentary language and failing to follow basic parliamentary norms. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Gandhi had earlier exchanged sharp words in the Lok Sabha after a remark made by the Congress leader while recounting a conversation with a student drew objections from the treasury benches. Speaker Om Birla subsequently expunged the expression. BJP MP Rahul Sinha, meanwhile, defended the government's handling of the student agitation, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi had understood the concerns of students and arguing that Congress had no right to lecture the government on paper leaks given similar incidents in Congress-ruled states.
Thursday's parliamentary agenda extends beyond the exam reforms bill. The Lok Sabha is scheduled to consider the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. Before taking up the legislation, the House is expected to discuss a statutory resolution moved by Opposition MPs seeking disapproval of the related ordinance promulgated earlier this year. Congress MP Manish Tewari has separately submitted an Adjournment Motion Notice seeking a discussion on a new anti-defection framework aimed at curbing mass political defections while preserving space for legitimate dissent. In the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala has sought suspension of business to discuss alleged misuse of donations connected with the Ram Mandir. The Upper House is also scheduled to consider the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026. With the Opposition continuing to raise questions over student protests and examination irregularities while the government pushes ahead with its legislative agenda, another stormy day is expected in both Houses of Parliament.

the Lok Sabha on wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 by voice vote, clearing tougher provisions against paper leaks and the use of unfair means in public examinations. The legislation was approved amid loud sloganeering and repeated disruptions as the government and Opposition remained locked in a heated confrontation over the recent student protests and police action at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The amended law proposes a substantial increase in punishment for individuals involved in examination malpractice. Under the proposed provisions, the minimum imprisonment for individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means will increase from three years to five years, while the maximum punishment can extend to 10 years. A fine of up to ₹50 lakh has also been proposed. For organised crime linked to examination fraud, the legislation provides for tougher punishment and a fine that can go up to ₹10 crore, reflecting the government's attempt to target organised networks operating behind large-scale paper leaks.

The passage of the anti-paper leak bill came after a stormy debate that repeatedly moved beyond examination reforms and into the handling of recent student demonstrations. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of authorising the use of force against students during the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Jantar Mantar. His remarks triggered strong objections from the treasury benches and led to sharp exchanges inside the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju hit back at the Opposition, accusing Congress leaders of using the discussion on examination reforms to pursue a political agenda rather than concentrating on the provisions of the legislation. Opposition MPs continued raising slogans as the bill was taken up for passage. The confrontation came after days of political tension over examination irregularities and the student agitation, which had already dominated proceedings during the Monsoon Session. Opposition parties have argued that tougher punishment alone will not resolve problems within the examination system and have demanded greater accountability over alleged paper leaks and the police response to protesters.

The government, however, has maintained that the amendment is aimed at creating stronger deterrence against individuals and organised groups involved in compromising competitive examinations. By increasing prison terms and introducing significantly higher financial penalties, the Centre is seeking to make involvement in paper leaks far more costly. The legislation comes at a time when examination security has become a major political issue following protests over alleged irregularities and demands from students for broader reforms. The government and Opposition have differed sharply over who should be held responsible, but both sides have acknowledged concerns surrounding the credibility of public examinations. Wednesday's voice vote gives the proposed reforms an important legislative clearance in the Lok Sabha. The political confrontation surrounding the bill, however, showed little sign of easing. The Rahul Gandhi-Rijiju exchange, Opposition sloganeering and continuing questions over the handling of student protesters ensured that what was formally a debate over examination reform remained tied to the wider political battle over youth concerns, accountability and the government's response to the recent agitation.

Government pushes key legislative agenda as House likely to vote on anti-paper leak law after nearly nine hours of debate

The Lok Sabha is set to continue discussions on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 for a second consecutive day, with the government expected to seek its passage after an extended debate that lasted nearly nine hours on Tuesday.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh will move the motion for consideration and passage of the Bill, which seeks to strengthen legal provisions against paper leaks and examination-related malpractice. The proposed legislation amends the 2024 law, with the Centre stating that stricter provisions are necessary to restore public confidence in the country's examination system.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is expected to address the Lok Sabha on the Bill at around 12:30 pm, with the debate likely to witness another round of sharp exchanges between the Treasury and Opposition benches over examination reforms and accountability.

Several key Bills on House agenda

Apart from the anti-paper leak legislation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to introduce the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will also introduce a Bill proposing an increase in the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court. The House is additionally expected to table several ministry-related reports and statements on parliamentary committee recommendations.

If passed in the Lok Sabha, the anti-paper leak Bill is likely to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha later this week.

Opposition finalises strategy

Ahead of Wednesday's proceedings, leaders of the INDIA bloc met under the leadership of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to coordinate their floor strategy.

Congress leaders raised multiple issues, including electoral reforms, the anti-defection law, alleged financial irregularities in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust, and the Cauvery water dispute. The Opposition is also expected to question the government over repeated examination irregularities and the effectiveness of the existing legal framework.

Debate over effectiveness of previous law

The Opposition has argued that repeated paper leak incidents exposed weaknesses in the current system despite the enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav questioned the government's record, alleging that several paper leak cases occurred under the BJP-led administration and demanding details of arrests and prosecutions under the existing law.

The government, however, maintains that the amendment is intended to further tighten enforcement and close loopholes identified after recent examination controversies.

Background: NEET controversy prompted reforms

The push for stronger legislation follows the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, which led to nationwide protests and widespread criticism of the examination process.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the original examination and conducted a re-test following allegations of a question paper leak. The controversy triggered demonstrations by students across several states and intensified demands for stricter safeguards against organised examination fraud.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the case. According to official information shared in Parliament, 13 people have been arrested so far, and the agency is expected to file its chargesheet shortly.

The proposed amendment seeks to strengthen legal provisions to deter organised paper leak networks, safeguard competitive examinations, and improve transparency and accountability in the examination system.

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received a warm welcome from BJP and NDA MPs as he arrived at Parliament on Tuesday, making his first public appearance since stepping down from the post. As he got out of his vehicle at the Parliament complex, several party leaders gathered around him, raising slogans of “Dharmendra Pradhan Zindabad.” Pradhan acknowledged the greetings with a smile and waved at the media before entering the premises. The show of support came just two days after he resigned as education minister amid nationwide criticism over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. In his resignation letter, Pradhan said his decision was driven by the interests of students and the need to protect the credibility of the education system. According to those present, the reception reflected the BJP leadership's public backing of one of its senior leaders despite the political storm surrounding his exit.

Pradhan's resignation followed weeks of protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Student groups and opposition parties had demanded accountability, arguing that the paper leak had shaken the confidence of lakhs of aspirants across the country. Following his resignation, the Union government assigned the additional charge of the Education Ministry to Pralhad Joshi, who already handles the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy portfolios. Officials indicated that the move was intended to ensure continuity in the ministry's functioning while the government deals with the fallout from the examination controversy. Meanwhile, videos of BJP MPs chanting slogans in support of Pradhan outside Parliament quickly circulated on social media, triggering political reactions from both supporters and critics.

Even after his resignation, several senior BJP leaders publicly praised Pradhan's contribution to the education sector. Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited him with playing a key role in implementing major education reforms, particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also acknowledged his efforts to strengthen India's education system and promote educational reforms during his tenure. BJP leaders maintained that Pradhan's resignation was a voluntary decision reflecting accountability rather than political pressure. The opposition, however, continued to question the government's handling of the NEET-UG paper leak and demanded a broader investigation into the examination process. Political observers believe the growing anger among students and young voters may have influenced the government's decision, although no official statement has confirmed that assessment. With the Monsoon Session of Parliament underway, education reforms, examination security, and the NEET controversy are expected to remain central issues in the days ahead.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, raising questions over the alleged use of pellet guns and force against students during recent protests linked to the NEET paper leak issue. The letter comes a day after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) ended its 37-day protest at Jantar Mantar following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Rahul Seeks Answers on Crowd Control

In his letter, Rahul Gandhi asked two questions to the Home Minister. He sought to know who ordered the use of pellet guns against student protesters, and if the order did not come from the Home Ministry, then who authorised it.

He also questioned the deployment of individuals in plain clothes during the protest, asking whether they were police personnel or volunteers and under whose authority they were assigned.

Rahul alleged that instead of engaging with students, security forces resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas. He claimed several protesters suffered serious injuries and alleged that excessive force was used during the crackdown.

Injured Student's Case Raised

The Congress leader referred to the case of 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who allegedly lost vision in one eye during the protest. Rahul said the incident reflected the need for accountability and reiterated his demand for an independent inquiry into the handling of the demonstrations.

Earlier this week, Rahul had also addressed a press conference alongside an injured student, accusing the government of suppressing peaceful protests and demanding responsibility for the violence.

CJP Submits Education Reform Proposals

Following the end of its protest, a delegation of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) met BJP national president J.P. Nadda and submitted a five-point proposal aimed at strengthening the examination system.

Among its key recommendations were:

• A minimum 10-year prison sentence for those convicted in paper leak cases.

• Confiscation of the properties of those found guilty.

• Establishment of a new independent National Testing Commission.

• Greater autonomy and transparency in recruitment and examination bodies.

• Structural reforms to improve accountability in competitive examinations.

Protest Ends After Minister's Resignation

The CJP had been protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since 20 June, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.

The protest concluded on Saturday after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his ministerial post. The organisation described the resignation as a victory for students while stating that its broader campaign for examination reforms would continue.

The resignation has triggered political reactions across party lines, with the ruling BJP describing it as an example of accountability, while opposition parties have termed it a result of sustained public and student pressure.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday described former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as an example of placing national interest and students' welfare above political office, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) considers the country and its youth more important than any position.

Reacting to Pradhan's resignation amid the controversy over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, Shah said the decision reflected the BJP's commitment to accountability and public interest.

'Nation and Students Come First'

In a post on social media platform X, Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government respects the sentiments of students and remains committed to strengthening the integrity of India's examination system.

He said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards examination malpractices, including paper leaks, and reiterated that those found guilty would face strict legal action.

According to Shah, maintaining the credibility of competitive examinations remains one of the government's highest priorities.

Government Focused on Restoring Trust

The Home Minister said the Centre's objective is to safeguard the confidence of millions of students who prepare for competitive examinations through hard work and merit.

He stated that the government has already initiated several reforms to improve transparency, fairness and security in the examination process and would continue efforts to make the system more robust.

Praises Pradhan's Tenure

Shah also highlighted Dharmendra Pradhan's contribution to the education sector, saying significant progress had been made under his leadership in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP).

He credited the former minister with expanding PM SHRI Schools, promoting digital education, strengthening skill development initiatives and improving collaboration between educational institutions and industry.

According to Shah, these reforms were aimed at preparing India's education system for future challenges while making it more inclusive and student-centric.

Political Reactions Continue

Pradhan's resignation follows weeks of protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.

The development has triggered sharp political reactions across party lines. While opposition parties have described the resignation as a victory for students' protests, the BJP has maintained that it reflects the government's commitment to accountability, institutional reforms and national interest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces on the occasion of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, honouring their courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding India's sovereignty during the 1999 Kargil War.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed the nation's gratitude to the soldiers who fought under extreme conditions during Operation Vijay, describing their bravery as a lasting source of national pride.

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, our nation expresses gratitude to the brave soldiers for their extraordinary courage and commitment towards securing India. Their valour in the face of the most formidable conditions will forever remain a source of national pride. Their unwavering patriotism and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations," PM Modi said.

Nation Marks 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas

India is observing the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating its victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The day honours the 527 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives while reclaiming strategic mountain peaks from Pakistani intruders in the Kargil sector under Operation Vijay.

The Kargil conflict, fought between May and July 1999, remains the only conventional war between two nuclear-armed neighbours. Indian forces successfully recaptured key positions in Kargil, Dras, Batalik, Mushkoh and Kaksar without crossing the Line of Control (LoC), despite operating at altitudes above 5,000 metres under extremely challenging conditions.

Over the years, Kargil Vijay Diwas has become a symbol of military courage, national unity and India's commitment to defending its territorial integrity.

Amit Shah Salutes Soldiers' Valour

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to the fallen soldiers, describing Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of the Indian Army's indomitable courage.

He said the success of Operation Vijay demonstrated the determination and bravery of Indian soldiers, who overcame hostile terrain and enemy positions in the snow-covered Himalayan heights to safeguard the country's sovereignty.

Shah paid tribute to all personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation.

Rajnath Singh Highlights Security Challenges

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who attended commemorative events at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on Saturday, said the security challenges faced by India had not diminished since the Kargil conflict.

Referring to continuing threats such as infiltration and proxy warfare, Singh asserted that the Indian Army remains fully prepared to respond to any challenge.

He also reiterated the government's commitment to modernising the armed forces through advanced technology, enhanced training and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at strengthening indigenous defence capabilities.

Rahul Gandhi Also Pays Tribute

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also remembered the soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War, saying the nation would remain forever indebted to their courage, valour and supreme sacrifice.

Legacy of Operation Vijay

Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as an annual reminder of one of India's most significant military victories. The success of Operation Vijay not only restored control over strategic positions in Ladakh but also led to major reforms in India's defence preparedness, intelligence coordination and national security framework.

As the nation commemorates the 27th anniversary of the victory, tributes continue to pour in for the soldiers whose sacrifice remains a defining chapter in India's military history.

A massive landslide at an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district has claimed the lives of 10 construction workers, while 17 others remain trapped more than 24 hours after the incident. Rescue operations are continuing under challenging conditions as suspected methane gas leaks and heavy debris have significantly slowed efforts to reach those still inside the tunnel.

According to Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma, rescue teams recovered 10 bodies by Tuesday, while three victims are yet to be identified. The deceased belonged to West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Sikkim. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the number of trapped workers could change as rescue operations progress.

PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia for Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased worker. Injured workers will receive ₹50,000 as financial assistance.

The Prime Minister also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and expressed hope for the safe rescue of those still trapped inside the tunnel.

President Murmu, Amit Shah Express Condolences

President Droupadi Murmu described the incident as deeply tragic and extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

In a message posted on X, she said she was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy rescue and safe evacuation of the remaining workers, along with the quick recovery of those injured.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the rescue operations and assured all possible assistance from the Centre.

Methane Gas Leak Hampers Rescue Operations

The landslide struck the Samardung Tunnel in the Mamring area of Namchi district at around 3:40 pm on Monday, causing a massive cave-in and completely blocking the tunnel entrance.

District Collector Anupa Tamling said rescue efforts have become extremely difficult due to the accumulation of debris and the possibility of a methane gas leak inside the tunnel.

Several rescue personnel reportedly experienced dizziness, while some fainted during operations because of poor air quality, forcing authorities to adopt additional safety measures before continuing the rescue mission.

Special Rescue Teams Deployed

The rescue operation involves personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district police, and fire services. A specialized rescue team equipped with gas-proof protective equipment has also been brought from West Bengal to strengthen the operation.

Officials believe that the trapped workers include 21 employees of Patel Engineering and six workers associated with NHPC. Ambulances and medical teams remain stationed at the site to provide immediate treatment once survivors are rescued.

Tunnel Part of Major Hydropower Project

The collapsed tunnel was under construction for the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Power Project, being executed by Patel Engineering.

Authorities said the immediate priority remains reaching the trapped workers safely despite hazardous conditions inside the tunnel, including confined spaces, poor visibility, unstable debris, and the suspected presence of methane gas.

Rescue teams continue to work around the clock as hopes remain that those still trapped can be evacuated safely.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and six Lok Sabha MPs who recently joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena from the Uddhav Thackeray faction met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday, triggering fresh political speculation over the party's growing influence in the NDA and a possible expansion of the Union Cabinet.

The meeting, which lasted nearly 50 minutes, was led by Eknath Shinde along with Shiv Sena's Lok Sabha leader Dr Shrikant Shinde. Discussions reportedly focused on pending development projects in Maharashtra, parliamentary strategy ahead of the Monsoon Session, legal procedures related to the MPs' merger, and the party's future role within the Union government.

Development Projects Take Centre Stage

During the meeting, the six MPs raised several pending infrastructure and development projects from their respective constituencies that require central approval or funding.

According to sources, the leaders urged the Centre to expedite these projects to ensure faster implementation before the next electoral cycle.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly assured the delegation that there would be no shortage of central assistance for welfare schemes and infrastructure initiatives in their constituencies, reaffirming the Centre's support for development-oriented governance.

Focus on Parliamentary Strength

The Delhi visit marks Eknath Shinde's first major political engagement in the national capital after the induction of six former Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs into his faction.

With the addition of the rebel lawmakers, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has strengthened its numerical presence in Parliament, making it a more significant ally within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Sources indicated that discussions also centred on preparations for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the party is expected to play a more prominent role on legislative and political issues.

Merger Recognition Awaited

The party leadership is also working to complete all procedural and legal formalities related to the induction of the six MPs.

According to political sources, the Lok Sabha Secretariat is expected to formally recognise the merger of the MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena before the Monsoon Session begins.

Official recognition would further consolidate the party's parliamentary position and strengthen its claim as the principal Shiv Sena faction in the Lok Sabha.

Speculation Over Cabinet Expansion

The meeting has intensified speculation about an imminent expansion of the Union Council of Ministers.

Political sources suggest that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena could be rewarded with two ministerial positions—one Cabinet berth and one Minister of State portfolio—following the increase in its parliamentary strength.

Among the names being discussed, Dr Shrikant Shinde is widely seen as a leading contender for a Cabinet position, although no official confirmation has been made by either the BJP or the Shiv Sena.

Political Significance

The high-profile meeting is being viewed as another political boost for the Shinde camp and a setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which recently lost six MPs to the rival faction.

Beyond organisational matters, the Centre's reported assurance on development funding is expected to help the newly inducted MPs strengthen their political base by accelerating projects in their constituencies.

While discussions on Cabinet representation remain speculative, the meeting underlines the Shinde faction's growing influence within the NDA and signals continued coordination between the Maharashtra leadership and the Union government ahead of an important parliamentary session.