Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi escalated his criticism of the Narendra Modi-led Centre on Saturday, accusing the government of implementing “cruel steps” against students demonstrating over the NEET paper leak controversy at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The demonstrations and subsequent political clashes stem from ongoing anger over the NEET exam process. According to the statements shared by the Rae Bareli MP on X, authorities deployed heavy security measures across the national capital to stifle the student movement. Restrictions included the shutdown of local metro stations, roads, commercial shops, internet services, and food supplies.
The opposition leader summarized the sweeping operational restrictions in a post on the platform, writing, “Shut down the metro. Shut down the roads. Shut down the shops. Shut down the Internet. Shut down the food.” He added that while the government took these measures against individuals demanding their rights, there was “just one thing they couldn’t shut down, Mr. Modi—paper leaks.”
Protest Clashes and Allegations of Police Brutality
Saturday’s accusations follow a turbulent mobilization a day earlier. On July 20, the Cockroach Janta Party led a “Sansad Chalo” march toward Parliament to protest the alleged paper leaks. That demonstration erupted into violent clashes between security forces and participants.
During the July 20 march, more than 118 police personnel sustained injuries, including high-ranking officials such as the Special Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, alongside several women police personnel. Concurrently, reports indicated that around 60 protesters were also injured during the unrest.
Rahul Gandhi shared video footage on X depicting a student named Sahil, who was allegedly wounded by pellets during the confrontations. The Congress leader claimed the administration’s response outdid historical colonial oppression. Writing about the injured participant, he noted that Sahil held the Tricolour while asking for a fair exam, only for police to fire pellets and cause severe injury.
Did You Know? The July 20 march toward Parliament resulted in injuries to over 118 police personnel, including numerous senior department commanders and women officers, alongside approximately 60 injured protesters.
Political Implications and Security Standoffs
The intensified face-off between opposition figures and state authorities highlights deep political fractures over academic testing security in India.
Security deployments around critical sites like Jantar Mantar point to a strict enforcement strategy by Delhi Police. The heavy reliance on internet suspensions and transit closures indicates that authorities view the demonstrations as a major security challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the protests led by students in New Delhi?
The demonstrations were driven by widespread anger over the NEET paper leak issue, with participants demanding clean and fair examinations.
What specific restrictions did Rahul Gandhi accuse the government of imposing?
According to the opposition leader, the Centre shut down metro stations, roads, shops, internet services, and food supplies around Jantar Mantar to suppress the student movement.
How many security personnel were injured during the July 20 march?
More than 118 police personnel, including multiple senior officers and women police officers, were injured during the violent clashes on July 20.
How do you view the balance between maintaining public order during large-scale student demonstrations and protecting the right to protest?
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