Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, led a massive protest march to Parliament on Monday, organized by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and student groups from the INDIA Alliance. The demonstration voiced strong opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, frequent paper leaks, the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft regulations, and the increasing privatization of education. Several senior MPs from the INDIA Alliance also participated in solidarity with the students.
Opposition to NEP 2020 and Exam Irregularities
Addressing students at Jantar Mantar, Gandhi accused the BJP-RSS of attempting to control the education system to curb independent thought.
“The BJP and RSS want to control education to suppress independent thinking. Students must resist their agenda, unite, and take this movement nationwide. This is a fight for India’s future,” he stated.
NSUI national president Varun Choudhary, who led the march, strongly criticized the government’s handling of education policies and examination processes.
“The BJP government is systematically destroying India’s education system through privatization, exam scams, and anti-student policies such as NEP-2020. Lakhs of students are suffering due to repeated paper leaks and irregularities in competitive exams, yet the government refuses to take accountability,” he said.
Protest Escalation and Police Action
Choudhary also accused the government of suppressing student voices through police action.
“Instead of addressing our legitimate concerns, the BJP government is using force to silence students. But, let me make it clear—this movement will not stop here. The NSUI, along with the students of India, will continue this fight until the government is held accountable and necessary reforms are implemented.”
Despite the protest remaining largely peaceful, Delhi Police detained over 100 students, including Choudhary, citing the lack of prior permission for the march.
Following the detentions, NSUI and INDIA Alliance student groups vowed to intensify their agitation in the coming days.
“The youth of this country will not tolerate an education system that serves the interests of a few while jeopardizing the future of millions,” NSUI leaders declared.
As student protests gain momentum, the debate over education policies, exam integrity, and government accountability continues to be a crucial political issue.
