Congress leader Rahul Gandhi led a high-profile protest march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence in New Delhi on Tuesday, intensifying the political confrontation between the Opposition and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The demonstration, organised by the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies, sought the Prime Minister’s resignation over the handling of the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and the police crackdown on student protesters.
The march began from Parliament after Opposition MPs staged protests inside and outside the House over the ongoing examination controversy. Rahul Gandhi was joined by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and several MPs from INDIA bloc parties.
As the protest moved towards Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister’s official residence, Delhi Police erected multiple barricades and stopped the leaders before they could reach the high-security zone. Security personnel briefly detained Rahul Gandhi and several Opposition leaders before later releasing them.
Addressing the media, Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of failing millions of students affected by repeated examination irregularities. He said the alleged NEET paper leak had shattered public confidence in the country’s education system and claimed the government’s response had been inadequate.
The Congress also criticised the police action against students who had protested in Delhi a day earlier. Party leaders alleged that peaceful demonstrators were met with excessive force and argued that the Centre should have addressed students’ concerns instead of suppressing protests. They demanded accountability from the Union government and reiterated their call for Prime Minister Modi to resign.
The protest came amid growing public anger over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026, one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations for medical colleges. Student organisations have been demanding a transparent investigation, stricter safeguards against examination malpractice and stronger action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak.
The BJP responded sharply, accusing Rahul Gandhi of deliberately violating security norms by attempting to march towards the Prime Minister’s residence. Senior BJP leaders said no individual or political party could be allowed to breach the security perimeter around one of the country’s most protected locations.
The ruling party also criticised Rahul Gandhi’s conduct, questioning whether he believed he was above established security protocols. BJP spokespersons argued that the protest was designed more for political optics than for addressing students’ concerns. Several party leaders announced nationwide demonstrations against what they described as the Congress leader’s irresponsible behaviour.
The BJP further maintained that the government had already initiated action over the alleged examination irregularities. It highlighted ongoing investigations and arrests related to the case and said the Centre remained committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in national entrance examinations.
The political confrontation dominated proceedings in Parliament, where Opposition MPs continued to press for a detailed discussion on the NEET controversy. Repeated disruptions forced adjournments in both Houses as the government and Opposition traded accusations.
Political observers believe the issue has now expanded beyond the alleged paper leak. The controversy has become a wider debate on the credibility of competitive examinations, the accountability of public institutions and the government’s response to student concerns.
For the Congress and its allies, the protests offer an opportunity to position themselves alongside students demanding justice and education reforms. For the BJP, the focus has shifted to defending institutional processes while portraying the Opposition’s actions as politically motivated.
With both sides refusing to back down, the row is expected to remain at the centre of national politics. The NEET-UG controversy, Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress protest, student protests, Delhi Police, BJP, and education reforms are likely to dominate political discourse in the days ahead, keeping the spotlight on both the examination system and the intensifying battle between the government and the Opposition.
