The demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood echoed through Parliament as Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi led a joint demonstration by the INDIA Bloc and the National Conference, intensifying pressure on the Centre during the Monsoon Session. Opposition MPs gathered outside Parliament, urging the government to fulfil its repeated commitment to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Leaders argued that statehood is essential for strengthening democratic governance, constitutional rights and political representation in the Union Territory. The Opposition also demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement in Parliament over the alleged police action against student protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, linking the issue to wider concerns about democratic rights and public dissent. Rahul sharpened his attack on the government, saying students are suffering because of systemic failures and deserve justice rather than what he described as symbolic gestures. His remarks added to the political heat as multiple Opposition parties sought to corner the Centre on both the Jammu and Kashmir statehood issue and the ongoing education controversy. WATCH

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received a hero's welcome from NDA MPs, just days after stepping down from the Union Cabinet amid the escalating NEET paper leak controversy. Pradhan entered Parliament to loud slogans, applause and a symbolic show of solidarity from NDA lawmakers, signalling the ruling alliance's continued support despite his resignation. According to Pradhan, his decision to step down was taken to prevent what he described as "anti-national forces" from exploiting the issue and to allow the government to focus on reforms. At the same time, the Opposition launched a fierce protest inside and outside Parliament. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led demonstrations over the alleged police action against students during recent protests. Opposition MPs also raised "Shiksha Chori" slogans targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding answers over the alleged police action during the July 20 student demonstrations and the criminal cases registered against protesters. WATCH