On July 21, 2026, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the Central Government following the detention of several party leaders during a protest at Lok Kalyan Marg. The demonstration aimed to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Among those detained were Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, all of whom were reportedly leading the protest near the Prime Minister’s official residence.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav was also taken into custody during the event. Kharge alleged that the government’s response was driven by fear, suggesting that the authorities were trying to suppress dissent among the opposition. In a post shared on X, he highlighted the government’s past actions, including disruptions in the education sector and the tragic deaths of students amid ongoing examinations.

Response to Police Action

Kharge specifically highlighted the police’s “lathi-charge” on protesters during a prior demonstration and asserted that the government was attempting to stifle opposition voices. He expressed strong disapproval regarding the manner in which Rahul Gandhi and other Congress members were removed from the protest, questioning the state of democracy in the country. He stated, “What kind of democracy is this?” while calling for justice and accountability regarding the treatment of students.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh supported Kharge’s position by referring to Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, as synonymous with dictatorship. Ramesh’s comments echoed concerns about the government’s treatment of peaceful protests, suggesting that such tactics were indicative of a deeper issue within the current administration.

In light of these events, Congress leader Pawan Khera further demanded apologies from both Modi and Shah. He expressed outrage over what he described as cowardly police actions against party leaders, stating that their mistreatment during the incident was unacceptable. Khera emphasised the commitment of the Congress party to stand against police violence targeting students and in support of their demands.

Broader Reactions from Opposition

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also voiced his disapproval of the detentions. He argued that the government’s actions represent an inability to engage with the issues raised by students and opposition leaders. Siddaramaiah described the police response as disproportionate and asserted that such behaviours are not characteristic of a confident administration. He urged the government to focus on addressing the education sector’s challenges instead of using force against protestors.

In solidarity, Karnataka Congress workers demonstrated in Bengaluru, leading to additional detentions amid heightened police presence. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hamid Karra and senior leaders protested outside the Governor House. This string of protests points to widespread discontent over the government’s handling of student-related issues.

Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, expressed solidarity with the Congress, labelling the detentions as a violation of democratic principles. She emphasised the need for accountability from the government, arguing that resorting to force against dissenters signifies a profound fear among those in power.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, alleged that Rahul Gandhi had reneged on an agreement regarding discussions on the NEET-UG examination, suggesting that Gandhi’s continued protests were unwarranted given the government’s assurances.

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