Rahul Gandhi Gandhi Smriti Visit: INDIA Bloc Leaders Pay Tribute to Students Amid Delhi Police Barricades

Rahul Gandhi's Gandhi Smriti Visit became the latest flashpoint in the political row over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police action against protesting students. On Thursday evening, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with Members of Parliament and leaders of the INDIA bloc, left for Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi to pay tribute to students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination controversy.

The visit came a day after Opposition leaders staged a protest near the Prime Minister's official residence over the NEET issue. However, before the delegation could leave Rahul Gandhi's residence, Delhi Police erected barricades outside his bungalow, leading to a brief confrontation between police personnel and Opposition leaders.

The delegation included Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and leaders from various INDIA bloc parties. National flags were displayed on the buses carrying the Opposition leaders as they departed for the memorial.

The visit was organised to pay homage to students who allegedly lost their lives following the NEET paper leak controversy and to express solidarity with those protesting for accountability in the examination process.

Rahul Gandhi's Message Before the Visit
Ahead of the programme, Rahul Gandhi shared a message on social media outlining the purpose of the visit.

He said the INDIA bloc leaders were travelling to Gandhi Smriti to remember students who allegedly died after the NEET examination controversy and to stand with students demanding justice and accountability.

Rahul also stated that the Opposition would continue supporting students who had been protesting peacefully over examination irregularities and police action.

Shortly after Opposition MPs gathered at Rahul Gandhi's residence for a preparatory meeting, Delhi Police installed barricades outside the bungalow.
The sudden security arrangements triggered a brief period of tension between police personnel and Opposition leaders.

According to Congress leaders, the police questioned the programme as it had not been officially notified in advance. The disagreement delayed the departure for a short period before the buses were eventually allowed to proceed.
Despite the initial standoff, the INDIA bloc delegation successfully reached Gandhi Smriti later in the evening.

After arriving at Gandhi Smriti, Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders paid floral tributes and observed a moment of silence in memory of the students.

Following the visit, Congress leaders reiterated their demand for accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and called for justice for students affected by the controversy.

The memorial visit was presented by the Opposition as a symbolic gesture highlighting student concerns and the need for transparency in national examinations.

Priyanka Gandhi Criticises Police Action
Speaking after the tribute programme, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged that Delhi Police had used force against students protesting at Jantar Mantar on the previous night.
She accused the authorities of suppressing peaceful demonstrations and reiterated the Opposition's demand that students' voices be heard.

The remarks added another political dimension to the ongoing confrontation between the Opposition and the Centre over the handling of the NEET issue.
Background: NEET Row Continues to Dominate Politics.

The Gandhi Smriti visit comes amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and several other Opposition leaders had staged a protest near the Prime Minister's official residence, where many of them were briefly detained by Delhi Police.

Since then, repeated disruptions in Parliament, nationwide demonstrations and political exchanges have kept the NEET controversy at the centre of national politics.

The Opposition has continued demanding accountability, while the government has maintained that it is prepared for a discussion in Parliament and has announced measures to address examination-related crimes.

The Rahul Gandhi Gandhi Smriti Visit has become another significant chapter in the ongoing political battle over the alleged NEET paper leak. While the INDIA bloc described the programme as a tribute to students and a show of solidarity with their demands, the police barricading outside Rahul Gandhi's residence added to the political tensions surrounding the issue.

With Parliament witnessing repeated disruptions and both the government and Opposition maintaining their respective positions, the NEET controversy is expected to remain a major political issue in the coming days.

हमें भारत के छात्रों के साथ खड़े होने से कोई नहीं रोक सकता। pic.twitter.com/FEFrlGJbOY

— Congress (@INCIndia) July 23, 2026

हमें भारत के छात्रों के साथ खड़े होने से कोई नहीं रोक सकता। pic.twitter.com/FEFrlGJbOY

— Congress (@INCIndia) July 23, 2026