Escalation: Opposition Joins Student Protests Against Modi

On July 22, 2026, opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi joined student-led protests outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in New Delhi after a police crackdown on earlier demonstrations. Police briefly detained Gandhi during the protest, according to multiple reports.

The protests focus on alleged leaks and irregularities in NEET, the nationwide medical entrance exam used for admission to medical colleges. Students say the alleged paper leaks undermined the exam’s fairness.

Arise reported that the opposition’s public backing has increased political pressure on Modi’s government as the student movement grows. Timeskuwait said Gandhi’s detention came amid intensifying demonstrations at the prime minister’s home.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pushed back, accusing Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of “using students as political tools.” He made the charge as the NEET-related unrest widened, ETV Bharat reported.

Banglanews24 described “cockroach” protests that disrupted parliament, adding to pressure on the government; other outlets did not use that term. The reports agree the unrest has reached national institutions but differ on how to characterize it.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources