Pawan Khera Shows Symbolic Protest With Hands Bound Together As Congress Escalates Attack Over Student Crackdown (Video)
Congress leader Pawan Khera staged a symbolic protest with his hands bound together as the party intensified its criticism of the Centre over the police crackdown on students protesting examination paper leaks. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanded accountability, calling for parliamentary debate on education reforms and questioning the government's handling of the demonstrations.
Congress leader Pawan Khera staged a symbolic protest with his hands bound together at Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday, July 21, as the party intensified its criticism of the Union government over police action against students protesting examination paper leaks and demanding education reforms. The demonstration comes during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the Opposition has sought a discussion on issues related to examination security and the education system.
The protest follows clashes between student demonstrators and security personnel near Parliament, where police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse protesters attempting to cross security barricades. The incident has triggered a political confrontation, with senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanding accountability from the government.
Pawan Khera's Hands-Bound Protest Highlights Congress' Demand
VIDEO | Lok Kalyan Marg protest: Congress leader Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) shows symbolic protest with hands bound together.
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/tMYBcqRZxR
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2026
Congress Steps Up Protest
The Congress has sharpened its attack on the Centre following the police crackdown on students protesting recurring examination controversies, including allegations surrounding the NEET-UG paper leak.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, holding the government responsible for the handling of the protests.
Pawan Khera's symbolic appearance with his hands bound was presented as a protest against what the party described as the suppression of students' voices.
Priyanka Gandhi Calls for Parliamentary Discussion
Speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the government's response to the student demonstrations. "We are simply asking for an open parliamentary discussion on the country's education policy."
She added: "Instead of listening to young citizens, authority is being exercised through tear gas and batons. These are our children, and Parliament belongs to them as much as anyone else."
Rahul Gandhi Demands Resignations
In a video message posted on X, Rahul Gandhi described the current administration as the "most youth-hostile government in India's history."
He said recurring examination paper leaks had affected millions of students and accused the government of acting against protesters instead of those responsible for the leaks. "The young people marching on the streets of New Delhi are not criminals; they are asking for a fair, transparent, and functioning education system."
Rahul Gandhi also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah should take responsibility for the police action and resign. He further questioned why Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had not stepped down.
Student Agitation and Police Response
The nationwide student protests have focused on repeated examination paper leak allegations and demands for broader reforms in India's education system.
According to authorities, police deployed tear gas and carried out baton charges after protesters attempted to breach security arrangements near Parliament. Several people were detained, and injuries were reported among both protesters and security personnel.
Delhi Police said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force around high-security zones in the national capital and that security measures were implemented to maintain public order.
Opposition to Continue Raising Education Issues
The Opposition has indicated it will continue pressing for a parliamentary debate on examination security, student rights and education reforms throughout the Monsoon Session.
The issue has gained national attention amid growing concerns over the management of competitive examinations, repeated paper leak allegations and demands for greater accountability in the education system.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 04:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
