‘Student Activists Should Face Police Action’: J.P. Nadda’s Rajya Sabha Remark Triggers Massive Uproar Over Aishe Ghosh Arrest

A stormy session in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday witnessed sharp exchanges between the government and the Opposition after Leader of the House J.P. Nadda defended police action against student activists, saying that anyone involved in activism should be prepared to face legal consequences.

The controversy erupted after Opposition MPs raised concerns over the alleged entry of Delhi Police personnel into the national headquarters of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) to arrest former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh.

Opposition questions police action

The issue was first raised by John Brittas of the CPI(M), who claimed that police officials entered the party office in Delhi to detain Aishe Ghosh, who had reportedly participated in a student protest at Jantar Mantar.

According to Brittas, the police referred to pending cases dating back to 2020 and 2021. While clarifying that he was not objecting to the legal process itself, he questioned the manner in which the police allegedly entered the office of a recognised national political party.

He urged the government to explain whether due procedures had been followed and sought a statement from the Union Home Ministry regarding the incident.

Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the reported police action, describing it as inappropriate and demanding accountability for officers involved if procedural norms had been violated.

Nadda defends police response

Responding to the Opposition’s criticism, J.P. Nadda said that police carrying out legal duties should not be viewed as unusual. Drawing from his own political journey, he recalled being arrested several times during the Emergency while participating in student movements.

He remarked that student activism often comes with legal consequences and stated that those choosing activism should be prepared to face police action if required under the law.

His comments immediately triggered loud protests from Opposition benches, with members objecting to his remarks and continuing slogans inside the House.

Proceedings disrupted amid protests

The heated exchanges prevented normal business from continuing smoothly. Even as BJP MP Rajib Bhattacharjee attempted to address the House, Opposition members continued their protests, forcing repeated interruptions.

With the disorder persisting, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan eventually adjourned the proceedings till noon.

Other parliamentary business

Before the disruption, ministers tabled official papers relating to several ministries, including Education, Home Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Social Justice and Empowerment, and Women and Child Development.

Members also presented the latest Parliamentary Standing Committee report concerning infrastructure development for washed coal production.

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In addition, Arjun Ram Meghwal moved a motion regarding the election of two Rajya Sabha members to the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit following vacancies created by the retirement of former members. The House approved the proposal before political tensions overshadowed the day’s proceedings.

Political debate likely to continue

The controversy has added fresh political friction between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Opposition parties, with questions now being raised over the balance between maintaining law and order and protecting democratic spaces for political activity.

As the debate over the arrest of Aishe Ghosh and the police’s actions continues, the issue is expected to remain a point of contention both inside and outside Parliament.