Nation

In an article published in The Hindu, Gandhi described July 20, 2026, as “a day of infamy”, alleging that Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces used batons and tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters. She claimed that several demonstrators were injured and that even students returning home were allegedly subjected to police action.

Gandhi said the protests reflected growing frustration among young Indians over examination paper leaks and the wider state of the education system. She accused the government of choosing repression over dialogue and alleged that it had failed to engage constructively with students’ concerns.

She also criticised the Centre's handling of previous public demonstrations, arguing that the use of force against protesters had become a recurring pattern. According to Gandhi, every public representative has a moral, political and constitutional responsibility to stand with students and protect their future.

“Their demands have been straightforward and to the point: accountability from the Government of India and education reform. The Narendra Modi government has responded to their courage with cowardice and wanton cruelty,” Gandhi wrote, accusing the Centre of treating students as “enemies of the nation” rather than the inheritors of the country's future.

Her remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Union Cabinet would consider a Bill to strengthen the existing anti-cheating law, with tougher penalties and provisions for fast-track courts to deal with examination paper leaks. The government has also taken steps related to the leadership of the Education Ministry amid continuing concerns over the alleged NEET paper leak and broader reforms to the National Testing Agency.