NDA, INDIA bloc MPs face-off outside Parliament over Jharkhand protest, Ram temple donation issues
The NDA MPs sat on the steps of the Makar Dwar and raised slogans against Rahul Gandhi and accused him of running away from a debate on student protests in Jharkhand
On Thursday, August 13, 2026, ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc MPs faced off near Parliament's Makar Dwar in a dispute over police actions in Jharkhand and allegations of temple donations theft, with security personnel forming a barrier between them. NDA MPs accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of avoiding a debate on student protests across the country, while INDIA bloc MPs sought accountability from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding alleged police misconduct during July 20 student protests over paper leaks.
INDIA bloc MPs also raised concerns about the supposed theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Prior to the confrontation, both factions held separate protests, with NDA MPs sitting on the steps of Makar Dwar and denouncing Gandhi as well as demanding accountability from Shah over police excesses against students during their march to Parliament over the NEET paper leak issue.
Opposition MPs, mainly from Congress, Samajwadi Party, and TMC, held a large banner stating "Chanda kisne loota hai?" and chanted slogans against the BJP. INDIA bloc MPs have been protesting for about three weeks, demanding Shah's presence in the House and a statement from him. Despite the government's offer for a debate and Shah's response, the Congress insisted that the Home Minister's reply specifically address the issue of police firing pellets against students, which the Congress believes is non-negotiable.
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