Student Protest in India: Gurudwaras, Congress & Public Support

Student protest in India gains support as Gurudwaras provide langar and shelter, doctors offer free healthcare, and citizens donate food, water, and supplies.

Lalit Mishra

7/21/20265 min read

Volunteers from Gurudwaras serving langar, doctors providing free medical care

Student Protest Movement Intensifies After Police Crackdown; Rahul Gandhi, Congress Escalate Pressure on Centre

The nationwide student protest over alleged examination irregularities has entered a new phase after a massive police crackdown in New Delhi triggered fresh political reactions and renewed demonstrations. Despite tear gas, barricades, and baton charges, protest leaders say the movement will continue until the government addresses their demands.

The protests, led primarily by students and supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged failures in handling examination-related controversies. The agitation has also gained support from opposition parties, particularly the Congress, which has intensified its campaign against the BJP-led central government.

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Police Crackdown Leaves Hundreds Injured

Large crowds gathered near Parliament Street and Connaught Place in New Delhi during the "Sansad Chalo" march. Protesters attempted to march towards Parliament before police stopped them using barricades, tear gas, and lathi charges.

Scenes following the confrontation showed damaged barricades, scattered belongings, broken spectacles, shoes, and blood stains across several roads. Protest organizers claimed that more than 100 people were injured, while several protesters required hospital treatment after the clashes. Recent reports suggest the number of injured may have risen significantly as more participants sought medical attention.

Many students alleged that they were exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully and accused authorities of using excessive force.

Students Say the Movement Will Continue

Despite the crackdown, protest leaders have vowed to continue demonstrations.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), told supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar that the movement would not stop until accountability is ensured.

According to organizers, additional protest programs and nationwide campaigns are being planned to maintain pressure on the government. Volunteers quickly restored the protest site after the police action, signaling their intention to continue the agitation.

Why Are Students Protesting?

Public anger has been growing for months following allegations of irregularities in several competitive entrance examinations.

Students have raised concerns over:

Alleged paper leaks
Errors in answer-sheet evaluation
Lack of transparency in examination processes
Delay in accountability
Mental stress among aspirants

Several student organizations argue that repeated examination controversies have severely affected millions of candidates and damaged confidence in India's recruitment and education systems. Protesters are demanding institutional reforms alongside political accountability.

Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Draws National Attention

Environmentalist and education activist Sonam Wangchuk has emerged as one of the movement's most recognizable faces.

He has been on an extended hunger strike demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the examination system.

After being shifted from the protest site to the hospital due to health concerns, Wangchuk's supporters alleged that he was removed against his wishes, while authorities maintained the decision was taken on medical grounds. Reports indicate he remains under medical supervision while continuing to support the movement.

Rahul Gandhi and Congress Step Up Protest

The political confrontation intensified after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi publicly backed the protesting students.

Rahul Gandhi Condemns Police Action

Rahul Gandhi accused the government of suppressing peaceful democratic protests and questioned the handling of student concerns. He said issues such as examination paper leaks, rising education costs, and student suicides deserve immediate attention rather than police action against protesters.

Congress Protest Outside PM's Residence

Latest Update (July 21, 2026):

A day after the police action, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and several Congress Members of Parliament staged a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi.

The Congress leaders demanded answers from the central government regarding the alleged police brutality against student protesters. During the demonstration, Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and several opposition leaders before later releasing them. Videos of the protest circulated widely on social media, further intensifying the political debate surrounding the student movement.

Congress leaders have continued demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and have expressed support for Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing agitation.

Government Holds Talks but No Breakthrough

Before the Parliament march, representatives of the protest movement met Union Minister J. P. Nadda to present their demands, including:

Resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan
Release and proper medical care for Sonam Wangchuk
Compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following examination controversies

However, protest leaders described the meeting as unproductive, saying no concrete assurances were provided. Government representatives appealed for protesters to end the sit-in and cooperate with authorities in restoring normalcy.

Opposition Pressure Continues to Grow

Besides the Congress, leaders from several opposition parties have criticized the police response and called for accountability.

The protests have expanded beyond Delhi, with demonstrations reported in multiple cities and growing support from students, professionals, activists, and civil society groups. Some opposition leaders continue to demand the Education Minister's resignation while urging a transparent investigation into the examination controversies.

latest updates: Sonam Wangchuk: Contributions, Awards & Hunger Strike

Political Significance

Political observers believe the protests represent one of the most significant youth-led movements in recent years. While the government has so far resisted calls for ministerial accountability, analysts say the combination of student mobilization, opposition support, and widespread social media engagement has increased pressure on the administration.

The movement has also reignited broader debates about democratic rights, police action against protesters, transparency in public examinations, and accountability within India's education system.

Amazing Public Support in Every Corner of India

Reports from the Jantar Mantar protest site highlight a remarkable wave of community support that has helped sustain thousands of demonstrators despite rain, long hours, and the recent police crackdown. Volunteers from across Delhi have organized free food distribution, drinking water, fruit juice, umbrellas, raincoats, and other essential supplies. Several Gurudwaras have opened their doors to protesters, offering langar (community meals), temporary shelter, safe storage for personal belongings, and first-aid services, reflecting the Sikh tradition of seva (selfless service). Alongside them, donations have also come from restaurants, temples, mosques, and ordinary citizens, with many people paying vendors directly or sending food packets from different cities to ensure that no protester goes hungry.

Medical assistance has also become an important part of the movement. Volunteer doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers have established free medical camps near the protest site, providing first aid, essential medicines, wound dressing, dehydration treatment, and health monitoring for injured protesters and those participating in hunger strikes. Doctors have stated that they are volunteering out of a sense of public duty, while medicines and medical supplies are being donated by supporters. This network of volunteers, combined with thousands of citizens contributing food, water, medical supplies, and other necessities, has become a symbol of solidarity, demonstrating how ordinary people have come together to support the protesters beyond political affiliations.

Latest Situation

As of July 21, 2026:

Student protests continue at Jantar Mantar.
Sonam Wangchuk remains under medical supervision while supporting the movement.
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and other opposition leaders have protested against the police action and were detained during demonstrations near the prime minister's residence.
The Congress has intensified its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
Protest organizers have announced that demonstrations will continue until their demands are addressed.

Sources: theweek, reuters, economictimes, timesofindia, indianexpress, apnews