Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Central Government for the purported lathi-charge on protesters holding a CJP (Campaign for Justice Platform) demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The protest led by students and youth activists has resulted in clashes with police, and the Opposition is now in danger of face-off with the BJP-led government.
As Rahul Gandhi cited as examples videos and reports from the protest site, the government is suppressing the voices of students instead of addressing their problems.
On social media, the Leader of the Opposition said students were demanding justice and accountability but were met with force.
Rahul Gandhi said: “Apologise to the students,” and urged Narendra Modi to take responsibility for the police action. He claimed peaceful protesters were subjected to unnecessary force and questioned why young people seeking answers were treated like criminals.
Since the recent public policy issue raised various issues about students and public policy, the CJP has been organizing a protest at Jantar Mantar. Demonstrators rallied in great numbers, holding placards and chanting slogans. But an angry crowd came out as police tried to disperse the crowd, and people were allegedly lathi-charged and arrested.
BREAKING 🚨:
— Amock_ (@Amockx2022) July 21, 2026
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is spitting fire against BJP and Narendra Modi
"Modi should apologize to the students for lathi charge, they were asking for accountability. Why is Modi silent?" 🔥
Any body language expert? 🗿 pic.twitter.com/5WwVfwSi6C
The pictures out there on social media showed police confront demonstrators, and some protesters said they were injured during the action. Delhi police say it acted in accordance with all the law and order after protesters broke the rules. Police say they acted in a manner that kept public order in the high-security zone.
Rahul Gandhi’s words resonated more immediately online and Congress leaders doubled down and accused the government of curbing democratic protest. The BJP, however, defended the police action, saying that security agencies are responsible for public safety and monitoring the enforcement of regulations.
The incident has reignited the debate over the handling of protests in the national capital. Civil society organisations and student groups have also expressed concern over the purported use of force, demanding an impartial inquiry into the events that unfolded.
Political observers say that the episode could deepen the existing friction between the ruling NDA government and the Opposition over youth, education and democratic rights.
As videos of the protest get spread over social media like wildfire, calls for accountability have become louder. When Rahul Gandhi demands an apology, how will the government respond?
The issue is expected to continue the political debate and political parties will continue to attack each other on the treatment of protesters and the democratic right to peaceful demonstration.
