NEW DELHI: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday while leading a protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. The demonstration, held near the Prime Minister’s official residence in New Delhi, witnessed the participation of several senior Congress leaders who accused the Central government of failing to protect the future of millions of students.
The protest came a day after large-scale demonstrations and clashes over the NEET issue triggered widespread political debate. Congress leaders alleged that the police used excessive force against peaceful protesters and students demanding accountability in the examination scandal. The party intensified its campaign by demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Rahul Gandhi Questions Government’s Response
Addressing supporters before his detention, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of ignoring repeated concerns raised by students regarding examination irregularities. He claimed that the administration had failed to ensure a fair and transparent recruitment and admission system despite repeated controversies involving competitive examinations.
According to Congress leaders, the protest was aimed at highlighting the growing frustration among students who believe their careers have been jeopardized by alleged paper leaks and administrative lapses. The party maintained that young people deserved answers rather than police action.
Rahul Gandhi also criticized what he described as the government’s handling of student protests, alleging that peaceful demonstrators were met with unnecessary force instead of dialogue.
Congress Leaders Detained During Demonstration
Besides Rahul Gandhi, several senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal, and numerous Members of Parliament, participated in the demonstration. Delhi Police detained multiple leaders after protesters attempted to march towards restricted areas near the Prime Minister’s residence.
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Security arrangements were significantly tightened around Lok Kalyan Marg, with barricades, heavy police deployment, and traffic restrictions imposed to prevent protesters from entering high-security zones.
Police escorted the detained leaders away from the protest site before releasing many of them later, according to reports.
NEET-UG Controversy Continues to Dominate Debate
The protest is linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination, which was cancelled following allegations of a large-scale paper leak. The issue has affected lakhs of aspiring medical students across the country and prompted investigations by multiple agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Student organisations have continued demanding greater transparency, stricter examination security, and accountability from officials responsible for conducting the examination.
The controversy has triggered protests in several cities, with students expressing concerns over uncertainty regarding admissions and future academic schedules.
Government Defends Its Position
The Central government has maintained that necessary action is being taken against those responsible for the alleged malpractice. Authorities have highlighted ongoing investigations, arrests of suspects, and efforts to strengthen examination security mechanisms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently stated that India’s youth aspire to move the country forward and assured that the government remains committed to protecting their interests while ensuring that legal action is taken wherever wrongdoing is established.
Government representatives have also urged opposition parties to avoid politicising the issue while investigations remain underway.
Police Explain Security Measures
Delhi Police defended their actions, stating that prohibitory orders were in force in the high-security zone surrounding the Prime Minister’s residence. Officials said protesters were repeatedly asked not to breach barricades and claimed that detentions were carried out to maintain law and order.
Police maintained that preventive measures became necessary after demonstrators attempted to move into restricted areas despite warnings. Authorities also stated that security protocols near sensitive government establishments cannot be compromised.
Political Temperature Rises Ahead
The NEET-UG paper leak controversy has evolved into a major political issue, with opposition parties accusing the government of failing to safeguard the education system. Congress leaders have indicated that protests will continue until those responsible are held accountable and meaningful reforms are introduced.
Student organisations have also vowed to sustain their campaign for transparent examinations and stronger institutional safeguards against future irregularities.
As investigations continue and political exchanges intensify, the controversy is expected to remain a key national issue, with both the government and opposition preparing for further confrontation inside and outside Parliament.
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