A political dispute has emerged over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioning the move and alleging that it could weaken an ongoing student-led protest in the national capital. Gandhi joined the demonstration demanding action over alleged irregularities affecting students and urged people supporting the cause to participate in the sit-in.

The Leader of the Opposition’s protest marked an escalation in the political response to the student demonstrations, with reports indicating that the protest continued for several hours. During the demonstration, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh was seen interacting with Gandhi at the protest site as the government engaged with the opposition leader.

AAP leaders criticised Gandhi’s decision to hold the protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence instead of joining demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, the designated protest location in Delhi. AAP leader Somnath Bharti alleged that the move was an attempt to divert attention from the existing student protests, while party MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj claimed that the Congress and BJP were working together to dilute the issue.

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The criticism came as the student-led movement continued in Delhi, with protesters demanding accountability over alleged examination-related irregularities and calling for action from the government. Protesters had earlier gathered at Jantar Mantar after clashes with police during attempts to march towards Parliament, leading to the use of crowd-control measures.

The movement, which gained wider attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and subsequent hospitalisation, continued to attract support from different groups. Organisers said they would remain at the protest site, while videos showing clashes between police and protesters circulated widely on social media, increasing public debate over the handling of the demonstrations.

The developments have added another layer to the political confrontation over student concerns, with opposition parties and protest groups continuing to press the government for responses. Authorities have maintained security arrangements in Delhi as discussions continue over the demands raised by demonstrators.

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