Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday voiced support for student protesters.(Photo: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: Congress Leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday voiced support for student protesters, saying they "do not need to apologise to anyone" and had instead defended the Constitution and the idea of India. He made the remarks while addressing the media outside 10 Janpath in New Delhi after interacting with a group of young protesters.
Calling their decision to speak out "an act of courage," Gandhi said the students had faced harassment, violence and intimidation for raising concerns about the education system.
Gandhi alleged that the protesters had been assaulted, beaten and threatened for demanding reforms in the education system.
"These young people are facing harassment, violence and torture. I am very proud that they have the courage to speak about what they are feeling and what they have experienced," he said.
He added that questioning a flawed education system was not a crime and reiterated the Opposition's demand for an end to recurring examination paper leaks and a secure future for students.
New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi met protesting students outside 10 Janpath and praised their peaceful stand for protecting the education system and the Constitution.
"They fought against injustice without resorting to violence. They have done… pic.twitter.com/AGiopn0pvA— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) August 5, 2026
Referring to the reported apology by a 15-year-old protester, Gandhi said the students should not have been forced to apologise.
"Accepting their apology by sending goondas to their homes is complete nonsense," he said, alleging that some protesters had faced police brutality and threats at their homes.
He maintained that the students deserved support rather than punishment for raising genuine concerns.
The remarks come amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the nationwide NEET-UG 2026 paper leak protests. The issue escalated after videos of some protesters using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi surfaced, leading to multiple FIRs. One of the protesters, 15-year-old Ruchika Singh, later issued a public apology, following which the complainant withdrew the complaint. Gandhi said the students had done nothing wrong by demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.
