Rahul Gandhi Calls for Resignations Amid Police Crackdown on Student Protests

On July 21 2026, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise for police violence against student demonstrators and resign together with Home Minister Amit Shah. He also urged the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whom he described as an “intermediary” in the episode. The demand followed a police-led dispersal of a large student rally outside Parliament on July 20 2026, during which lathis and tear-gas shells were deployed.

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The protests stem from a broader grievance that India’s education and competitive-examination system is failing, according to Gandhi. Demonstrators have been demanding reforms to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and related assessment mechanisms, arguing that the current testing regime jeopardises the future of India’s youth. The Monsoon Session of Parliament opened on July 20 2026, providing a focal point for the rallies.

Rahul Gandhi Raises Students’ Protest Issue With Lok Sabha Speaker, Demands Parliamentary Debate -

• June 28 2026 – Activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike in support of the student movement.

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• July 20 2026 – Thousands of students gathered near Parliament to press for Pradhan’s resignation; police used lathi-charges and tear-gas shells.

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• July 21 2026 – Rahul Gandhi addressed reporters in the Parliament House complex, reiterating demands for apologies and resignations.

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• The Delhi Police reported 60 protesters injured during the July 20 dispersal and 118 security personnel injured in what it described as “unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour” by demonstrators.

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• The Cockroach Janta Party claimed that a 10-year-old boy was slapped by police and that more than 20 students have died in connection with the examination crisis.

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• Approximately 70 protesters were detained under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rioting, assault on public servants, and property damage.

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• The Delhi Police issued a statement refuting allegations that pellet guns were used, urging the public not to circulate “unverified content” and warning of legal action against rumor-mongers.

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• “For a senior leader like Rahul Gandhi to go back on his word is unfortunate and contrary to every norm of democracy,” — Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh, union minister

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• Union Health Minister JP Nadda met doctors at the RML Hospital where injured protesters were treated, signalling governmental concern over the medical fallout.

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Protesters assembled at Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar after police cleared the main stage in central Delhi. Video evidence released by Congress leader Pawan Khera showed senior party members being forced into a police bus.

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• Pellet-gun claim: The Cockroach Janta Party and several activists asserted that police fired pellet guns at peaceful protesters. The Delhi Police categorically denied this, labeling the claim as misinformation.

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• Casualty figures: The party’s allegation of over 20 student deaths contrasts with the police’s focus on injuries and property damage, leaving the exact death toll unverified.

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The hunger strike by Sonam Wangchuk continues, with the Delhi High Court allowing his transfer to Medanta Hospital for medical care. Protesters have pledged to maintain demonstrations at Jantar Mantar until Education Minister Pradhan is removed. The opposition plans to seek a formal parliamentary debate on the police’s use of force and the broader examination crisis.

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