New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s unexpected protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence has sparked political debate over whether the Congress is attempting to take the lead in the ongoing student movement spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the alleged NEET paper leak issue.
The dramatic demonstration came a day after clashes between protesters and police in the national capital, with Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several senior party leaders marching towards the Prime Minister’s residence without prior public announcement. Security personnel later removed the protesters, bringing the sit-in to an end.
The move marked a noticeable shift in Congress’s approach towards the student-led agitation, after maintaining distance from the CJP protest for nearly a month.
Congress Initially Stayed Away
The CJP began its protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, drawing support from several opposition leaders, including representatives of the Aam Aadmi Party and the Trinamool Congress. However, the Congress leadership largely refrained from participating in the demonstrations during the initial phase.
Political observers believe the party was cautious about allowing another organisation to dominate the narrative on an issue such as examination irregularities, which Congress has consistently raised against the government.
The party’s position appeared to soften only days before the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera visited activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar, signalling the beginning of greater engagement with the movement.
Police Action Changes Congress Strategy
The turning point came after police action against students during the “Sansad Chalo” march, when protesters alleged excessive force was used to disperse demonstrators.
Reacting strongly, Priyanka Gandhi condemned the police action, accusing the government of responding to students’ concerns with force instead of dialogue.
Rahul Gandhi also criticised the Centre through social media, accusing it of ignoring students while failing to act against those responsible for the alleged examination leak. He questioned why action had not been taken against those accountable and demanded political responsibility for the crisis.
The following morning, Rahul and Priyanka visited injured students in hospital before launching their surprise protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
Secret Planning Behind the Demonstration
According to reports, the Congress leadership planned the protest discreetly. Party leaders were reportedly asked to assemble at Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence under the pretext of greeting him, following which they proceeded on foot towards the Prime Minister’s residence.
Several Congress leaders, including senior representatives from Karnataka and Kerala, later joined the demonstration. Union Minister Jitendra Singh reportedly attempted to engage with the protesters, but discussions did not lead to a breakthrough before police dispersed the gathering.
Political Calculations Under Scrutiny
The Congress’s sudden aggressive stance has prompted speculation about its political strategy.
Political analysts suggest Rahul Gandhi intends to position Congress as the principal political voice supporting students rather than allowing the movement to remain identified solely with the CJP.
Analysts also note that Rahul Gandhi has framed the issue more broadly by demanding accountability from the country’s top leadership instead of limiting criticism to the Education Ministry. This has effectively expanded the political scope of the agitation.
Impact on the Student Movement
Observers believe Rahul Gandhi’s intervention could significantly influence the direction of the ongoing protests.
Some analysts argue that the Congress leader’s participation has amplified the issue nationally and increased pressure on the government. Others believe it could shift public attention away from the CJP itself and place Congress at the centre of the political narrative surrounding the agitation.
Questions also remain about the future trajectory of the CJP movement. While the platform has succeeded in mobilising students and drawing public attention, analysts point out that uncertainty over its long-term organisational structure and leadership could determine whether it evolves into a sustained political force or remains a protest movement focused on a single issue.
With Parliament in session and student protests continuing, the developments have added a new political dimension to an agitation that began as a campaign demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak.
