Students protesting against alleged irregularities in major examinations, including question paper leaks and technical glitches, clashed with police in Delhi on Monday as they attempted to march towards Parliament. The demonstration drew sharp political reactions, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticising the police action and accusing the Centre of suppressing peaceful protests.

Rahul Gandhi criticises police action

Reacting to the incident, Rahul Gandhi said the protesting students were demanding their rights and described the use of tear gas and baton charges as unacceptable.

In a video message, he said there was “absolutely nothing wrong” with the students’ protest and alleged that the government’s response was undemocratic. Gandhi also described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the “most anti-youth prime minister” while sharing a video that purportedly showed the police action against demonstrators.

According to Gandhi, young people have the right to an education system that is fair, functional and respectful towards students. He added that India, with a large youth population, should listen to their concerns rather than suppress their voices.

Protest linked to exam issues and CJP campaign

The protest was organised by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, which has gained significant attention on social media over issues related to the education system and unemployment.

The demonstration came shortly after activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 21-day hunger strike ended when he was taken to a hospital on Saturday.

CJP alleged on social media that police used tear gas against peaceful protesters and questioned the need for such action.

Police said permission had not been granted for the march, while internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi during the protest.

Government holds talks with protesters

Rahul Gandhi also urged the Prime Minister to address the protesters’ demands, saying concerns over the education system were legitimate and should be taken seriously.

Meanwhile, CJP said two of its representatives met Union Minister JP Nadda and submitted a written memorandum outlining their demands after the government initiated contact for discussions.

Confirming the meeting, JP Nadda said the talks were held in a cordial atmosphere. He stated that the proposal for dialogue came from the protesters and that discussions had been underway since late morning.

According to the minister, the delegation submitted a written petition in the afternoon, following which he appealed to the protesters to end their sit-in and cooperate with authorities in restoring normalcy.

Lok Sabha MP and Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee’s office in Amtala, located in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, was demolished by the district administration on Saturday, triggering a fresh political confrontation between the ruling BJP government in the state and the opposition Trinamool Congress.

Administration cites alleged building violations

According to officials, the office was demolished because it was allegedly constructed without an approved building plan. Authorities said notices seeking explanations and relevant documents regarding the construction were issued on June 30 and July 7.

The administration also directed the Diamond Harbour MP to appear before district officials on July 15 and submit his response.

Officials claimed that no reply was received to either notice and that Banerjee did not appear before the administration as instructed. Following this, authorities decided to proceed with demolition.

A bulldozer was brought to the site on Saturday morning, and a heavy police presence was deployed after security arrangements were put in place around the premises before the demolition began.

Trinamool Congress alleges political revenge

Reacting to the action, the Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of targeting its leaders through what it described as “vengeful, violent politics.”

The party said the matter is already pending before a court and alleged that a “bulldozer culture” has emerged in West Bengal since the BJP came to power. It described the demolition as an act of political vengeance and alleged “goonda raj” during the operation.

Political backdrop

The demolition comes months after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, in which the BJP secured 208 seats in the 294-member Assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule. The Trinamool was reduced to 80 seats, while former party leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state’s Chief Minister.

Since its electoral defeat, the Mamata Banerjee-led party has witnessed internal turmoil. A faction of MLAs backed Ritabrata Banerjee, who is now the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. Several Lok Sabha MPs also left the party to join the Nationalist Citizens Party of India, while former Rajya Sabha MPs Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik resigned and later joined the BJP.

The West Bengal Congress has invited Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee to its July 21 programme in Kolkata, saying she should publicly acknowledge that quitting the Congress nearly three decades ago was a political mistake.

The invitation came from West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar, who addressed reporters after reviewing preparations for the party’s ‘Martyrs’ Day’ programme at Shahid Minar.

Congress asks Mamata to acknowledge 1993 movement

Sarkar said Banerjee should recognise the historical importance of the July 21, 1993 movement instead of trying to alter its legacy.

According to him, the movement was organised under the banner of the Youth Congress, making it an integral part of the Congress’ political history.

He said political leaders who respect their own political journey earn greater public respect and urged Banerjee to pay tribute to the martyrs at the Congress programme.

‘Leaving Congress was a mistake’

Sarkar said Banerjee’s participation in the event would carry greater significance if she publicly admitted that leaving the Congress was the wrong political decision.

He described such a move as an act of political atonement and said the Congress stage remains open for anyone wishing to pay homage to those who died during the July 21, 1993 movement.

July 21 remains politically significant in West Bengal

The July 21, 1993 protest, led by Mamata Banerjee during her time in the Youth Congress, ended in police firing in which 13 people allegedly lost their lives.

After leaving the Congress in December 1997 to form the Trinamool Congress, Banerjee continued observing July 21 every year through large public rallies that gradually became a major display of the party’s organisational strength. The Congress, meanwhile, continued marking the day with comparatively smaller programmes.

Multiple events planned this year

The political landscape has changed following the TMC’s loss of power in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with the party also facing internal rebellion.

A rebel TMC faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has announced a separate observance near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Esplanade. Meanwhile, police have denied permission to another group loyal to the former chief minister to hold its programme at its traditional venue in front of Victoria House. The matter is currently pending before the court.