Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that Delhi Police personnel who detained him during an Opposition protest quietly urged him to remove the current government. His remarks came a day after Opposition leaders were stopped while protesting outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police action against student protesters.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges Police Whispered Against Government
Speaking at a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, Gandhi recalled Tuesday's protest, claiming that police officers who escorted him away privately expressed dissatisfaction with the government.
“The police dragged me and took me away, but were whispering in my ear to remove this government,” Gandhi claimed.
He further alleged that several police personnel made similar remarks while carrying out their duties.
“One said, 'I am from Rajasthan, inko hataiye (remove them).' 'We are just wearing the uniform.' Another one was saying, 'I am from Haryana, inko hataiye.' So this is the sentiment towards (the government). And people feel the truth,” Gandhi said.
आज हर छात्र कह रहा है, पुलिसवाले कह रहे हैं, पूरा देश कह रहा है - मोदी सरकार को जाना पड़ेगा।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 22, 2026
विपक्ष के नेता के रूप में मेरी ज़िम्मेदारी हर भारतीय की आवाज़ बनना है - और उसके लिए हर कीमत छोटी है। pic.twitter.com/uSLu9Py3F5
Says Physical Assault Will Not Deter Him
Gandhi said he was not concerned about the physical treatment he received during the protest, adding that such incidents were a small price to pay while standing with students and the public.
“I am supposed to bring attention to where pain is being felt. These are very small costs. These are not big costs. This is a huge honour for me to be able to stand with the wishes of my people. So a couple of punches and all, this is not a problem at all. I am happy to take many more,” he said.
He added that the Opposition believed it was important to stand alongside students protesting across the country.
“We felt that if the students of India are on the streets, then the Opposition should also be on the streets,” he said.
Calling the alleged examination irregularities a serious issue, Gandhi added, “This is a crime that has been done to the future of our country. This is a crime that has been done to the people we love.”
Opposition Seeks Education Minister's Resignation
Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged examination irregularities. He also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise for the police action taken against students.
The protests, which began on July 20 under the leadership of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), gained momentum after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk started an indefinite hunger strike. The movement intensified after Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar by police and admitted to hospital. Later, in a handwritten note, Wangchuk described the incident as an “illegal detention.”
Student Protest Faced Police Crackdown
The controversy further escalated after police dispersed a student march towards Parliament on Monday. Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used lathis, tear gas and electric batons to control the crowd.
Several students and security personnel were injured during the clashes. Authorities also alleged that some protesters attacked members of the media and security forces.
Reiterating the Opposition's demand, Gandhi said, “It is a legitimate demand that Dharmendra Pradhan should resign. He has shown the nation and the world that he can't run an education system. He is also incompetent and probably collusive in this drama... This man has to go.”
He also insisted that police personnel responsible for using force against students must face action.
“Everyone who assaulted the students must be held accountable and the PM should apologise,” Gandhi said, describing these demands as “non-negotiable” for resolving the issue.
Claims 152 Paper Leaks Since 2014
During the press conference, Gandhi also alleged that 152 paper leak incidents had taken place since the BJP-led NDA government assumed office in 2014, affecting nearly 75 million students.
“What we do know is that 152 paper leaks have taken place over the last decade. If you do the math. So one a month approx,” he said.
Government Says Investigation Will Reveal Truth
Responding to Gandhi's allegations, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the matter was under investigation and assured that the government would present the facts before the public once the inquiry was completed.
“This is a matter of investigation, and the government, being a responsible government, will undoubtedly investigate and present the truth to the public and the nation.”
Nadda also said the government was willing to hold a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue.