Opposition Intensifies Attack on Government Over Police Action Against Protesters
The opposition has ramped up its protests against the central government following police actions against demonstrators. Key Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, led a march to the Prime Minister's residence, demanding resignations from top officials. This comes after a previous protest where police used force to disperse crowds. The CJP is calling for accountability regarding recent controversies in education. The situation remains tense as discussions between government officials and opposition leaders continue.
| Jul 21, 2026, 18:13 IST
Opposition's March Against Police Actions
The opposition's criticism of the central government has intensified following police actions against protesters. On Tuesday, a day after a march led by the 'Cockroach People’s Party' (CJP) to Parliament, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi spearheaded a protest march towards the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi, demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Congress leadership and party workers gathered outside the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at 10, Rajaji Marg and marched approximately one kilometer to the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Rahul Gandhi stated in a post on X that the purpose of this march was to hold the Prime Minister accountable for the alleged police excesses during Monday's protests. He accused the government of refusing to take responsibility and not allowing discussions on the matter in Parliament, while also demanding the resignations of both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, claiming they have "ruined the future of India's youth."
Government Reaches Out to Congress
Government Engages with Opposition
On Tuesday, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh met with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi near Lok Kalyan Marg during the Congress party's protest. The two leaders were seen conversing for a while, although details of their discussion were not immediately available. Images from the scene suggested that Singh was attempting to understand the opposition's concerns and discuss ways to de-escalate the situation. Reports indicate that Singh proposed that Congress withdraw its movement in exchange for a discussion on the issue in Parliament. However, Rahul Gandhi rejected this proposal, reiterating demands for strict action at the government level and the resignations of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, along with the removal of the Education Minister. The Delhi police have also urged the opposition leader to continue their protest at Jantar Mantar, where CJP founder Abhijit Dipke is already demonstrating with thousands of supporters and youth.
Police Action During CJP's March to Parliament
Police Response to CJP's March
This protest follows the CJP's march to Parliament on Monday, during which police dispersed demonstrators—primarily students and youth—using batons and tear gas. The CJP, which is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET controversy and other alleged exam paper leaks, claimed that many protesters were injured due to police actions. However, the Delhi police defended their actions, alleging that the protesters became violent, threw stones at security personnel, vandalized police vehicles, and engaged in widespread violence. According to police reports, 118 personnel, including senior officers, were injured during the clashes.