Congress Leaders Led by Rahul Gandhi Stage Dharna Outside PM’s Residence; Police Remove Them
The Congress staged a dharna outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence, alleging police excesses against student protesters and demanding accountability over NEET-related issues before leaders were removed by Delhi Police.
NEW DELHI- In a dramatic escalation of protests over police action against students demonstrating against the NEET-UG paper leak and related education issues, Congress leaders including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge sat on a dharna outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg today.
The protest followed disruptions in both houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session, where the Opposition sought a debate on the alleged police brutality against “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) protesters and students on July 20. Mics were reportedly switched off, preventing Leaders of Opposition from speaking, prompting the march to PM House after Parliament was adjourned.
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Rahul Gandhi, who along with other leaders visited injured students at RML Hospital earlier, posted on X: “An attack on students is an attack on every Indian family… We have marched to PM Modi’s house to demand answers from him for the brutalities against young students yesterday. The Government doesn’t want to take any accountability… PM and HM [Amit Shah] must resign for destroying the future of India’s youth.” He urged patriotic citizens to join the dharna.
The party demanded the resignations of PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior leaders, including KC Venugopal and Pawan Khera, were present as slogans were raised and a sit-in held.
Removal of Congress Leaders from Dharna Site
Delhi Police and paramilitary forces moved in to clear the site. Several Congress MPs and workers, including, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Vadra Gandhi, Kanhaiya Kumar, were detained and taken away in vans.
Reports described forcible removal of leaders, with some alleging rough handling. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, accompanied by Home Secretary Govind Mohan, reached the spot for talks. Singh claimed Rahul Gandhi initially agreed to end the protest for a parliamentary discussion on NEET issues but later added the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation.
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Congress leaders condemned the action, with one calling it “BJP’s terrorism.” Protests continued with leaders asserting they had exhausted parliamentary options.
Reactions from Political Parties
Congress: Strongly defended the protest as necessary due to the government’s refusal to debate or take accountability. Rahul Gandhi and Kharge positioned it as a stand for India’s youth against systemic failures in education and police excesses. Jairam Ramesh and others highlighted the suppression of student voices.
BJP: Criticized the protest as politically motivated. BJP spokesperson Sanju Verma stated the party stands with students but alleged the dharna was infiltrated by “professional protesters” seeking gains, turning violent. Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed disappointment over Rahul Gandhi allegedly going back on his word during talks.
Other opposition parties supported the broader concerns over NEET irregularities and student treatment, though specific reactions to the PM House dharna were focused on the Congress-led action. The event has intensified political heat during the Monsoon Session, with calls for accountability on education reforms and protest handling.
The situation remains fluid, with detentions ongoing and heightened security around the PM’s residence. This marks a notable instance of an opposition protest directly outside the PM’s high-security home.
