CJP Protest: Rahul Gandhi Demands PM Modi’s Apology to Students, Seeks Shah & Pradhan’s Resignation

Rahul Gandhi demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students over the police action during the CJP protest. He also sought the resignation of Amit Shah and Dharmendra Pradhan, calling for urgent reforms in the examination system.

Post Published By: Sreeja Chowdhury

Updated : 22 July 2026, 9:17 AM IST

Rahul Gandhi taken to detention (Img: X)

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioned the Centre over the police action during the Cockroach Janta Party protest. Addressing the issue after being released from detention, he said "The government must apologise to students and initiate comprehensive reforms in the country's examination and education systems."

Congress Leaader Rahul Gandhi: “I said to him that it was important that we be allowed to debate what happened to the students the day before. The speaker said he needed to take permission from the government, but it was very clear to us... that there was no interest in the… pic.twitter.com/DJB7fzH7yK

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While in detention, Rahul Gandhi released a video statement listing five demands from the government:

1. Resignations of Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
2. Action against police who assaulted students on Monday and withdrawal of cases against students.
3. Apology from the Prime Minister for Monday's crackdown.
4. Discussion on the issue in Parliament.
5. Education and exam reforms at the earliest.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav Detained Outside PM Modi’s Residence Over Demand For Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

Opposition Alleges Debate Was Denied

Rauhl Gandhi said he met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to request a discussion in Parliament on the police action against protesting students. According to him, the Opposition was informed that the matter required the government's approval, but no willingness was shown to hold a debate. He said the Opposition subsequently staged a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence to draw national attention to the issue.

Demand for Ministerial Resignations

The Congress leader demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged failures in the examination system and called for Home Minister Amit Shah to step down over the handling of the protests. He also urged the government to withdraw all cases registered against students and take action against those responsible for the alleged use of force.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Lead Protest Near PM Modi’s Residence Over Paper Leaks; Several Leaders Detained

Questions Over Education System

Rahul Gandhi questioned recurring examination irregularities, rising education costs and the burden on families. He said students deserve transparency, accountability and a fair examination process. He urged the government to prioritise structural reforms instead of suppressing protests.

Government Defends Its Position

Responding to the allegations, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Opposition of politicising student issues. He said the government is ready to discuss concerns related to NEET and examination reforms in Parliament and remains committed to ensuring accountability, transparency and improvements in the education system.