Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday, 20 July sharply criticised the government for what she described as a refusal to engage with 'flaws in the Education Policy,' while also condemning the alleged use of force and tear gas against students who attempted to march towards Parliament in New Delhi. Her remarks came amid a charged atmosphere on Parliament Street, where protesters gathered under the 'Sansad Chalo' banner to demand accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak case.

What Priyanka Gandhi Said

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, the Wayanad MP did not mince words. 'You are beating them and teargassing them. Why is this being done? Afterall, they are our children,' she said, referring to the student demonstrators.

She further argued that Parliament itself belonged to the citizens. 'They are the future of the country. This Parliament belongs to them; it is not anyone's personal property,' she said, adding that both she and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly raised concerns about the Education Policy. 'We all have been requesting to hold a discussion. There are big problems and issues in the Education Policy, but you are not willing to hold any discussion and, on the other hand, you are beating up children,' she said.

The 'Sansad Chalo' Protest

The demonstration was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its supporters, who marched towards Parliament House calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak and related examination irregularities — including alleged discrepancies in the 12th CBSE Board examinations. As protesters attempted to advance, they were met by a police presence deployed to maintain law and order, with reports of tear gas use emerging from the site.

CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka presented their demands to Union Minister J.P. Nadda. According to reports, Union Health Minister Nadda assured them he would discuss the protesters' demands 'internally' with the 'leadership.'

Detention Claim Disputed

A separate controversy emerged when CJP spokesperson Saurav Das posted claims on social media that CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had been 'picked up' by police during the protest. Delhi Police swiftly refuted the allegation. 'Misleading reports are currently circulating on various social media platforms claiming that Abhijit Dipke has been detained by the Delhi Police. It is formally clarified that these allegations are entirely false and he is available on stage,' the police said in a statement.

Broader Context

The protests reflect growing national anxiety over the integrity of competitive examinations in India. The NEET-UG paper leak case has triggered widespread student unrest across multiple states, with opposition parties pressing the government for a thorough investigation and ministerial accountability. This is among the most sustained rounds of student-led agitation near Parliament in recent years. With the opposition demanding a floor debate on Education Policy and the government yet to agree, the standoff shows little sign of immediate resolution.