New Delhi, India | July 20, 2026: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday strongly criticized the Narendra Modi-led Central Government following police action against student protesters in New Delhi, accusing the Prime Minister of being the “most anti-youth Prime Minister in India’s history.”
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government has failed to protect students from recurring examination irregularities and has instead responded to their protests with police force. He claimed that despite 152 alleged examination paper leaks, affecting nearly 75 million (7.5 crore) students, no guilty individuals have been punished.
Rahul Gandhi also targeted Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the Prime Minister has failed to take responsibility by seeking the minister’s resignation despite repeated controversies surrounding examination leaks.
He said that hardworking students were being punished while those responsible for paper leaks remained free. According to Gandhi, students who raised legitimate concerns about education and recruitment examinations were met with batons, detention, and police action instead of justice.
Criticism Over Police Action
Condemning the police response to the demonstrations, Rahul Gandhi stated that the students protesting in Delhi were not criminals but young citizens demanding fairness, transparency, and accountability in the country’s education system.
He urged the Prime Minister to listen to the voices of students and address their demands instead of suppressing protests through force. Gandhi described the police action against the demonstrators as completely condemnable.
Dramatic Protest Scene Goes Viral
During the protest march toward Parliament, one demonstrator drew widespread attention after standing his ground in front of police personnel armed with batons. Viral videos circulating on social media showed the protester repeatedly shouting, “Hit me, sir,” while refusing to retreat despite the police action.
The incident quickly gained traction online, becoming one of the most discussed visuals from the day’s protest.
Police Report Injuries During Clashes
Authorities stated that the protests turned violent after demonstrators allegedly attempted to breach security barricades while marching toward Parliament. Police responded with lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
According to official sources, more than 50 police personnel were reportedly injured during the clashes and were admitted to hospitals for treatment. Security has since been tightened across key areas of New Delhi, and legal proceedings have reportedly been initiated against individuals involved in the violence.
Political Debate Intensifies
The incident has further intensified the ongoing political debate over education reforms, examination transparency, and the handling of student protests in India. While the Congress has accused the government of ignoring the concerns of millions of students, authorities maintain that security measures were necessary after protesters allegedly attempted to cross restricted zones near Parliament.
The developments are expected to remain a major political issue as opposition parties continue to demand greater accountability over examination management and the treatment of student demonstrators.
