Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that it is aimed at weakening Tamil Nadu’s political influence. He urged all political parties, irrespective of ideology, to oppose the proposed legislation in Parliament.

Addressing reporters, the Congress MP claimed the delimitation process was designed to reduce the political strength of Tamil Nadu and appealed to every political party to unite against the proposal.

Rahul Gandhi alleges conspiracy against Tamil Nadu

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to use delimitation to diminish the political representation of Tamil Nadu.

“There is an attempt by the BJP to carry out delimitation. Delimitation is designed to disenfranchise people and take away the political power of the people of Tamil Nadu. This is a BJP conspiracy,” he said.

He further asserted that anyone supporting the proposed delimitation exercise was “betraying Tamil Nadu” and compromising the state’s future.

Invokes ‘Ettappan’ to criticise supporters

Drawing a historical parallel, Rahul Gandhi referred to Ettappan, a figure traditionally viewed in Tamil culture as a symbol of betrayal, to criticise those backing the proposal.

He described supporters of the delimitation exercise as “21st-century Ettappans” and said no Tamil should support the move.

“Every Tamil person should oppose delimitation. Every Tamil party and every national party should defeat delimitation in the House,” he said.

Debate linked to proposed constitutional amendment

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks come amid speculation that the Centre could reintroduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill during the ongoing Parliament session.

According to the discussions surrounding the proposal, the Bill seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha to as many as 850 seats and facilitate the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which provides 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures.

The speculation has gained momentum following recent political developments and party realignments ahead of the Monsoon Session.

DMK raises concerns over southern states’ representation

Amid the ongoing debate, reports have suggested that the DMK has softened its position on the proposal if the representation of southern states remains unaffected.

DMK leader TKS Elangovan said the government was again attempting to bring the delimitation proposal linked to women’s reservation before Parliament. He added that while political parties have different suggestions, the number of Lok Sabha seats allocated to southern states should not be reduced.

Prime Minister says abusive language has no place in society, urges people to guide misguided youth instead of seeking punishment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed for restraint and forgiveness after abusive slogans directed at him during a student protest over alleged paper leaks at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In a video message, he said abusive language could never resolve differences and urged society to help young people who had lost their way rather than seek revenge against them.

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A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

Referring to the incident, the Prime Minister said the country had witnessed what happened at Jantar Mantar, where some protesters allegedly used offensive language against him and his late mother. He described the protesters as “misguided youngsters” and said such language had no place in a civilised society.

PM Modi calls for guidance instead of punishment

PM Modi said young people are capable of learning from their mistakes and stressed that anger should not determine how society responds to such incidents.

He said mistakes made during youth also present an opportunity for correction and added that the focus should be on showing the right path instead of dragging young people into prolonged legal proceedings.

“I want to forgive them. I request society also to accept what I am saying,” the Prime Minister said, adding that people should work together for the country rather than allow abusive exchanges to deepen divisions.

The video shared by the Prime Minister carried the message: “Abuses never solve anything. Let’s guide the misguided. Let’s work together. Let’s work for Bharat.”

Police case registered after protest

The remarks came after a police case was registered over alleged objectionable slogans raised during a Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Jantar Mantar on July 23 over alleged paper leaks.

According to the complaint, a 25-year-old woman allegedly made objectionable remarks during the demonstration.

A Zero FIR was registered at the Expressway Police Station in Noida under Sections 352, 353(1) and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to provoking a breach of peace, statements conducing to public mischief and defamation. The case was later transferred to Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi for further investigation.

Cockroach Janta Party reacts

Responding to the case, Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das said any allegedly derogatory remarks could be addressed through civil or criminal defamation proceedings by the affected individual. However, he argued that criminal machinery should not be used against protesters solely over objectionable language and termed such action condemnable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Parliament’s passage of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, saying the legislation will make India’s examination system more robust and trustworthy.

In his fourth Instagram video within a week on the issue of education reforms and paper leaks, the Prime Minister said the Centre has been taking multiple steps to improve the examination system and crack down on organised paper leak networks.

PM Modi highlights reforms to curb paper leaks

The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and approved by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. According to the Prime Minister, the legislation fulfils the commitment he had made earlier to introduce stricter legal measures against paper leaks.

In the video posted on Thursday night, PM Modi said reforms have become necessary as paper leaks have affected both central and state-level examinations for many years, putting students’ futures at risk.

He said the government has already taken several steps, including constituting a task force, setting up fast-track courts, consulting states, and encouraging greater use of technology to strengthen examination systems.

The Prime Minister also said those involved in paper leak rackets or attempting to manipulate examinations would face strict legal action under the new law.

Bill proposes tougher punishment and fast-track trials

The amendment increases punishment for individuals found guilty of paper leaks or other unfair examination practices to a minimum of five years’ imprisonment, extendable to 10 years, along with a fine of up to Rs. 50 lakh.

For organised offences, the Bill proposes a minimum prison term of seven years and a fine of at least Rs. 10 crore.

It also empowers state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate Courts of Session as special fast-track courts for paper leak cases. The proposed law aims to ensure that trials are completed within three months from the filing of the chargesheet.

Series of Instagram messages on education reforms

The latest video is the fourth in a series of Instagram posts by the Prime Minister addressing paper leaks and examination reforms.

In his first video on July 23, PM Modi said the government would introduce legislation providing stricter punishment for paper leak offences and announced the establishment of fast-track courts for such cases.

A day later, he thanked young people for sharing suggestions and said his engagement with them would continue.

On July 26, he announced that a task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani would study India’s examination system and recommend further improvements.

Separately, on July 24, the Prime Minister also encouraged Union Cabinet colleagues to engage more actively with younger audiences on Instagram.