New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi led a march of INDIA bloc MPs to Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi on Thursday to show support for students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. According to media reports, the march also highlighted concerns over police action against student demonstrators.
Rahul Gandhi, holding a copy of the Constitution, led the delegation from his residence at Sunehri Bagh Road. Senior Opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, joined the march. MPs travelled in three buses towards Gandhi Smriti, where Mahatma Gandhi spent his final days before his assassination in 1948.
According to media reports, the convoy was briefly stopped outside Rahul Gandhi’s residence after Delhi Police placed barricades and police buses on the route. Police reportedly cited prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The buses were later allowed to continue after a short delay.
Congress leaders carried placards demanding action over the alleged examination paper leak and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Several MPs also switched on their mobile phone flashlights during the march as a symbolic protest.
Speaking to reporters, Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition had taken to the streets because students were protesting for justice. He claimed the MPs were initially prevented from reaching Gandhi Smriti despite their peaceful programme.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also questioned the police action, asking why elected MPs were stopped from visiting Gandhi Smriti.
According to media reports, Delhi Police deployed large numbers of personnel, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), along the route. Security remained tight around Lutyens’ Delhi, and traffic was affected in nearby areas.
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi said on X that the visit was intended to honour students who had allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak and to express solidarity with those injured during the protests. He said the Opposition stood with students demanding justice and accountability.
According to media reports, senior INDIA bloc leaders held a strategy meeting before the march to discuss raising the issue in Parliament. Mobile internet services were also suspended within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar from 4 pm until midnight as protests continued in the national capital.
