Congress Leader Criticizes Police Action During Student Protests in Delhi
In a recent protest in Delhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the police's violent response to students demonstrating against alleged paper leaks. He claimed that the opposition was barred from discussing the issue in Parliament and highlighted the injuries sustained by protesters. Kharge called for a parliamentary debate on the matter, demanding accountability from the government. The protest escalated into violence, resulting in injuries to both police and demonstrators. The CJP has vowed to continue protests until their demands are met, including the resignation of the Prime Minister and compensation for affected families. Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk remains hospitalized under medical care.
| Jul 21, 2026, 14:12 IST
Opposition Leader Condemns Police Response
The President of the Congress Party and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed his disapproval of the police's actions during a protest by the CJP in the capital on Tuesday. He claimed that the opposition was not allowed to raise this issue in Parliament.
Speaking to reporters, Kharge accused the police of taking action against students participating in the CJP protest related to an alleged paper leak, resulting in injuries to several students. He stated that there was a baton charge, tear gas was deployed, and students were beaten, leading to many being hospitalized. In response to this injustice, oppression, and pressure being exerted on them, we sought time in Parliament to voice their concerns.
Kharge further alleged that when he attempted to raise this issue, he was prevented from speaking in the Rajya Sabha. He remarked that as soon as he stood up and uttered a word, the microphone was turned off. He questioned, is this what democracy looks like? If in a democracy, there is no willingness to debate or listen to our concerns, where can we go? Millions of students from every corner of the country have come to make their voices heard. Kharge reiterated the opposition's demand for a discussion in Parliament on this matter, insisting that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should respond to this debate. We want a discussion on this issue. After the discussion, the Home Minister should make a statement. Other floor leaders should also be given the opportunity to speak. Accusing the government of undermining democratic values, Kharge stated that there is a conspiracy to dismantle democracy. He noted that in the past 60 years, he has never seen a government operate in this manner. All we want is a chance to discuss.
Meanwhile, a protest march towards Parliament on Monday turned violent; the Delhi police reported that over 118 officers were injured in the clashes, along with approximately 60 protesters also sustaining injuries.
Police Response to Protest Actions
According to the police, protesters allegedly threw stones and other objects at officers, attempted to break barricades, vandalized police and government vehicles, and damaged public property. The police have filed FIRs against unidentified individuals for the alleged vandalism and stone-pelting incidents that occurred at Connaught Place and Parliament Street.
A delegation from the CJP met with Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday, presenting several demands, including the resignation of the Prime Minister, compensation of 1 crore rupees for the families of deceased NEET candidates, and the immediate release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital.
CJP's Stance and Ongoing Protests
Saurav Das, the chief spokesperson for the CJP, stated that protests will continue until the Prime Minister resigns. The Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, Nadda, mentioned that he received a proposal from the protesters to engage in dialogue with the government and urged them to end their sit-in.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk is under the care of a multidisciplinary team of doctors at Safdarjung Hospital. According to the latest bulletin from the hospital, his vital parameters are stable, although his blood sugar level remains low, and serum potassium levels were recorded at 3.2 mEq/L. The hospital reported that Wangchuk is receiving oral rehydration therapy and oral potassium supplements, but he has refused intravenous fluids and glucose despite medical advice.