Rahul Gandhi Detained During Protest at Lok Kalyan Marg Over Police Action Against Students (Video)

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday, July 21, while protesting at Lok Kalyan Marg along with other Opposition leaders and Congress workers over police action against student protesters. The detention came as the Congress intensified its criticism of the Union government over examination paper leaks, education reforms and the handling of student demonstrations.

The protest was led by Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who demanded accountability from the government and called for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The Opposition leaders were protesting against the police response during a student march towards Parliament, where security forces used tear gas and baton charges to disperse demonstrators.

Rahul Gandhi Detained

#WATCH | Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, protesting with Opposition leaders and workers at Lok Kalyan Marg, detained by Delhi Police. pic.twitter.com/mkctEgsybl

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2026

Congress Steps Up Protest Over Student Crackdown

The political confrontation escalated after student groups organised a march towards Parliament over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET-UG paper leak allegations.

Police deployed security personnel to prevent protesters from crossing restricted areas. The clashes resulted in several detentions and injuries involving protesters and security personnel.

Congress leaders accused the government of using force against students instead of addressing their concerns over examination reforms and transparency.

Priyanka Gandhi Questions Police Action

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament complex, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government's response to the student protests.

She said: "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 Accountability

In a video message posted on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi described the government as the "most youth-hostile government in India's history" and accused it of failing to address repeated examination-related problems.

He said paper leaks had affected millions of students appearing for competitive examinations and alleged that protesters were being targeted instead of those responsible for irregularities. "The young people marching on the streets of New Delhi are not criminals; they are asking for a fair, transparent, and functioning education system," Gandhi stated.

Rahul Gandhi also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah should take responsibility for the police action and resign. He questioned why Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had not stepped down.

Opposition Continues Pressure on Government

The Congress protest follows demonstrations by student groups demanding reforms in examination systems and action over alleged paper leaks.

Opposition parties have sought a discussion in Parliament on examination security, education policy and student concerns during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in place around high-security areas of the capital. The police said the measures were necessary to maintain public safety. The Opposition has indicated that it will continue raising student rights and education reforms as key issues during the parliamentary session.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 07:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).