Rahul Gandhi Leads INDIA Bloc March to Gandhi Smriti Over Paper Leak Row

The INDIA bloc on Thursday stepped up its offensive against the Centre over the alleged exam paper leak controversy, with nearly 130 Opposition MPs, led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, visiting Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi to express solidarity with protesting students. The symbolic march, which followed days of demonstrations and parliamentary protests, sought to project the students' movement as a peaceful struggle for justice inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

The MPs, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and leaders from alliance partners such as the RJD, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and RSP, first gathered at Rahul Gandhi's residence before heading to Gandhi Smriti. The Opposition claimed its request to march to India Gate was denied and alleged that police barricades briefly blocked the convoy en route. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of attempting to prevent the Opposition from standing with students, asserting that "no one can stop us from standing with the students of India."

The choice of Gandhi Smriti, where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, underscored the Opposition's emphasis on non-violent democratic protest. After reaching the memorial, the MPs paid floral tributes, sang the National Anthem, and observed a symbolic protest. Rahul Gandhi carried a copy of the Constitution, while several MPs held the Tricolour, switched on mobile phone flashlights in memory of students allegedly affected by the examination controversy, and displayed placards demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks.

Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition had taken to the streets because students themselves were protesting on the streets and deserved unwavering support. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the alleged use of lathi-charge, tear gas and water cannons against student protesters, saying the demonstration was meant to remind the government of the democratic values upheld by Mahatma Gandhi.

The Gandhi Smriti visit marked the latest escalation in the Opposition's campaign, following protests outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, press conferences, and repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The paper leak controversy has emerged as one of the session's biggest political flashpoints, with the INDIA bloc demanding accountability and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, while the Centre has rejected the demand and instead announced stricter anti-paper leak laws, fast-track courts for examination-related offences, and reforms to strengthen the integrity of public examinations. Responding to the march, BJP leader Vijay Goel, Vice-Chairman of Gandhi Smriti, said the memorial welcomes everyone who wishes to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and follow his ideals.