Rahul Gandhi asks Prime Minister and Home Minister to step aside for protesting students

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday not to block protesting students, calling them the voice of the country.

Meeting Details

The remarks came after Mr. Gandhi met injured students and activists from the National Students' Union of India, the Congress party's student wing, at the 10, Janpath residence of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The students had earlier faced action during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged issues in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.

Custody Claims

During the interaction at the press conference on October 14, 2026, students alleged they faced harsh treatment in police custody after Delhi Police personnel picked them up from protest sites. Mr. Gandhi praised the participants as lions and lionesses, promised party support, and advised them to save photo and video proof of their treatment.

Context

Student groups and political youth wings frequently stage demonstrations in New Delhi over administrative and electoral issues, often leading to clashes with law enforcement agencies. Peaceful assembly is protected under the law, though police detentions during large-scale public demonstrations remain a frequent point of political friction.