Police pick up Rahul-Priyanka-Akhilesh from protest

Top opposition leaders faced police intervention while protesting in front of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence. Police turned back Congress leaders and activists led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi as they marched toward the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi on Tuesday (July 21).

Later, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and several other opposition leaders joined the demonstration. Around 6:40pm, police cleared the protest site and took Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and other protesters away in vehicles.

The Congress organized the program to protest against question paper leaks in various government recruitment examinations, including the NEET medical entrance test, as well as police action against protesting students. Earlier on Monday, a march led by the "Cockroach Janata Party" (CJP) toward Parliament resulted in clashes between protesters and the police. The Congress alleged that the police used baton charges and tear gas during the incident.

In front of the Prime Minister's residence, Rahul Gandhi sat on the street and refused to leave. Several police officers subsequently surrounded him and placed him into a vehicle.

Following the incident, police cleared the remaining demonstrators. The BJP alleged that the Congress's program posed a risk to the Prime Minister's security. However, the Congress maintained that their program was peaceful.

Meanwhile, counter-accusations between the police and protesters over Monday's clash continue. The CJP claimed that numerous protesters were injured due to police baton charges and tear gas. Conversely, Delhi Police stated that protesters engaged in stone-pelting, vehicle vandalism, and violence, adding that 118 police personnel were injured in the clashes.

Tensions surrounding the question paper leak issue also persist in the Indian Parliament. The first two days of the monsoon session were adjourned ahead of schedule, with the opposition alleging that they are not being given the opportunity to hold discussions.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that preventing incidents like the NEET question paper leak is a national responsibility. He claimed that his government took swift action upon receiving allegations and that those involved have been arrested. However, the ongoing opposition movement and the government's stance continue to escalate political tensions over the issue.