Rahul Gandhi attacked the Indian government and Delhi Police following allegations of excessive force during NEET paper-leak protests.
The clash highlights growing tension between the opposition and the central government over the handling of student grievances and the legitimacy of police conduct during public demonstrations.
The unrest occurred between July 21 and 23, 2026, primarily around Jantar Mantar and nearby Delhi Metro stations [1, 2]. The protests were led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with students demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan [2]. During the demonstrations, 16 Delhi Metro stations were shut to manage the crowds [2].
Controversy erupted when the CJP alleged that police used pellet guns against the crowd. The Delhi Police denied these claims on July 21, 2026 [1, 3]. Further tension rose after social media posts circulated claiming a woman protester died during the events. Delhi Police dismissed this report as a false claim [4].
Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre and the police of politicizing the NEET paper-leak issue in response to these events [1, 3]. The central government responded by calling Gandhi's comments irresponsible and said it was ready for a parliamentary debate on the paper leak [1].
Security remained high throughout the period, and reports indicated that a police inspector was injured during an attack by protesters near Jantar Mantar [4]. The government continues to maintain that the allegations of lethal force and pellet gun usage are politically motivated fabrications [1].
“Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre and Delhi Police of politicising the NEET paper‑leak issue.”
The escalation of this dispute reflects a deeper systemic conflict regarding the administration of national exams and the state's response to youth-led dissent. By framing the police denial as a political cover-up, the opposition is attempting to link administrative failure in the NEET exams with a broader narrative of state repression.
