Government sources criticised the Congress march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, calling it a security concern, as opposition leaders protested over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and police action against students.
Government Sources Flag Security Concerns
Government sources on Tuesday strongly criticised the Congress after senior opposition leaders marched towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence in New Delhi. They described the demonstration as a serious security concern and accused the party of establishing what they called a wrong and dangerous precedent.
The criticism followed a protest led by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra near Lok Kalyan Marg. Government sources argued that political demonstrations directed at the official residences of leaders could create security risks and weaken established democratic boundaries.
They maintained that such protests were rarely witnessed in mature democracies and warned that targeting political residences could lead to unpredictable consequences. The sources also referred to unrest in neighbouring countries, where demonstrations had escalated into attacks on government buildings and the homes of senior political figures.
Congress Marches Over NEET-UG Row
Congress leaders launched the march to demand answers over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and the police action against students who had protested a day earlier. The opposition also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for the controversy surrounding the examination.
Party MPs, workers and leaders moved from Rajaji Marg towards the Prime Minister’s residence before being stopped by Delhi Police. The demonstration brought together leaders from several opposition parties, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was also among the senior Congress figures who joined the protest.
The opposition said it wanted the Prime Minister to respond directly to the allegations and address concerns raised by students. Congress leaders accused the government of avoiding accountability while using police action to suppress demonstrations over an issue affecting young people across the country.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Detained
Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and several other protesters after they attempted to continue towards Lok Kalyan Marg. Police personnel dispersed the gathering as leaders staged a sit-in and refused to leave the area.
Visuals from the protest showed security personnel carrying Rahul Gandhi away after he resisted detention. An aide later claimed that the Congress leader suffered an injury below his eye during the police action. Priyanka Gandhi was seen holding onto the door of a police bus as it moved away with detained protesters.
Priyanka criticised the government following her detention, accusing the authorities of acting out of fear. Rahul Gandhi had earlier posted on social media that the march was intended to seek answers from the Prime Minister over what he described as police brutality against protesting students.
Political Debate Over Protest Boundaries
The incident has intensified the confrontation between the government and the opposition over the limits of democratic protest. Government sources focused on the security implications of holding demonstrations near the Prime Minister’s residence, while Congress argued that elected representatives had the right to demand accountability from the country’s leadership.
The reference to unrest in Bangladesh and Nepal also drew attention, with officials warning that protests directed at leaders’ residences could escalate. Congress, however, maintained that its march was a political demonstration linked to the NEET controversy and the treatment of students.
The confrontation is expected to deepen the political debate over examination accountability, protest rights and police conduct. It has also increased pressure on the government to explain its response to the alleged paper leak and the opposition’s demand for action against those responsible.
