A massive protest erupted in Delhi over the NEET paper leak, with Rahul Gandhi steering two buses carrying over 120 opposition MPs to the Gandhi Memorial. Police initially blocked the convoy with barricades, but later granted passage. The march ended with a tribute to the students and a renewed opposition pledge of support.
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Gandhi led a convoy of 120 MPs in two buses to Gandhi Memorial
- Protest triggered by NEET paper leak and student rights issues
- Delhi police set up barricades, later cleared the route
Protest Overview
On July 23, 2026, a crowd of opposition leaders gathered at Rahul Gandhi’s residence on Sunheri Bagh Road, 5‑Sunheri Bagh. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and more than 120 MPs from the INDIA alliance boarded two white buses and set off towards the Gandhi Memorial.
Mid‑way, Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force deployed heavy barricades, halting the convoy for several hours. After higher‑level clearance, the procession resumed, sang the national anthem at the memorial, and paid homage to students who lost their lives after the alleged paper leak.
Historical Background
The Gandhi Memorial has long served as a symbolic rallying point for student and civil‑rights movements. In 2020, nationwide student protests also converged here, highlighting the site’s enduring political relevance.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the coordinated bus convoy underscores a new level of opposition unity against the Modi government, especially on education policy. The visual of over a hundred MPs traveling together creates a powerful narrative of parliamentary solidarity with street‑level protests.
"Such mass parliamentary mobilization is rare in Indian politics and signals a strategic shift toward direct public engagement," says political analyst Dr. Ananya Sharma.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the main demand of the protest? To demand accountability for the NEET paper leak and to protect student rights.
- How did the police respond to the convoy? They imposed a temporary ban and set up barricades, later granting permission for the buses to proceed.
