Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Rahul Gandhi, Congress of ‘Using Students As Political Tools’ After PM Modi Residence Protest
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of using students as 'political tools' after the party protested outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence over the alleged police action against student protesters. Pradhan said the government was ready for a Parliament debate on the NEET issue, while Congress leaders were later detained and released.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday, July 21, accused Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of using students as "political tools" after the party staged a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence over the alleged police action against student protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Chalo Sansad' march.
The minister's remarks came hours after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several Opposition leaders were detained by Delhi Police while marching towards Lok Kalyan Marg. The Congress had demanded accountability over the alleged crackdown on students and sought discussions on the NEET paper leak issue. Rahul Gandhi Detained Outside PM Modi Residence During Protest Over Police Action Against Students (Video).
Dharmendra Pradhan Criticises Rahul Gandhi
LoP Shri @RahulGandhi and @INCIndia continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Shri @RahulGandhi and @INCIndia chose to stage a dharna outside the Hon'ble Prime Minister's residence , causing…
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 21, 2026
Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Congress of Politicising Student Issues
In a post on X, Pradhan alleged that the Congress was attempting to create disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament instead of helping resolve concerns linked to the NEET controversy.
"LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi and INC continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament," Pradhan said. What Jitendra Singh Told Rahul Gandhi During Congress Protest Outside PM Narendra Modi’s Residence.
He claimed the Congress organised the protest despite the government conveying its willingness to hold a detailed discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament.
'Political Spectacle Over Democratic Debate'
The Union minister alleged that the protest outside the Prime Minister's residence caused inconvenience to the public and breached established security protocols.
He said: "Their objective was never solutions for students, it was disruption for political headlines." Pradhan further accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to manufacture confrontation even after the government had expressed its readiness for dialogue.
Reiterating the Centre's position, he said the government remained committed to discussing the issue in Parliament and addressing students' concerns. "The students of India deserve far better than being treated as props in a political campaign. They deserve certainty over chaos, solutions over slogans and responsibility over disruption," he said.
The minister added that the government owed students "answers, reforms and accountability" and remained committed to strengthening the country's examination system.
Government Raises Security Concerns
Government sources also criticised the Congress demonstration outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence, describing it as a security concern.
According to the sources: "Congress has set a very wrong and dangerous precedent by protesting outside the PM's residence. It is not only a security threat, but such behaviour is not seen in mature democracies."
The sources said protests targeting the residences of political leaders were uncommon in established democracies and warned that such demonstrations could pose security risks.
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Among Those Detained
The government's response followed a protest led by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and several Opposition leaders near Lok Kalyan Marg.
The protest was organised against the alleged police action during the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20 and demanded accountability over the treatment of student protesters.
Several Congress leaders, including Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, also joined the demonstration.
Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and several other Opposition leaders after they attempted to move towards the Prime Minister's residence.
Television visuals showed security personnel carrying Rahul Gandhi away after he resisted detention during the sit-in. Priyanka Gandhi was also seen holding onto the door of a police bus while being taken away. All the detained leaders were later released.
The Congress has intensified its campaign over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy, and has demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament along with accountability for the alleged police action against student protesters.
The government, meanwhile, has maintained that it is prepared to discuss the issue in Parliament and has accused the Opposition of using the matter for political confrontation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 11:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
