'How Dare You?' Rahul Gandhi Rebukes DU For Asking Students To 'Stay Away' From Jantar Mantar Protest

Last Updated:July 24, 2026, 11:58 IST

As the protest over the paper leak row rages on, the Delhi University (DU) Thursday, July 23, appealed to its students to "stay away from Jantar Mantar and prioritise their safety

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi lambasted the University of Delhi after it issued an advisory to its students and faculty, urging them to refrain from taking part in the ongoing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.

As the protest over the paper leak row rages on, the Delhi University (DU) Thursday, July 23, appealed to its students to “stay away from Jantar Mantar and prioritise their safety.

Reacting to the advisory, LoP Rahul Gandhi wrote: “How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights?"

“Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes", he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also slammed the institution following the advisory. In a post on ‘X’, she wrote: “Have some shame Delhi University."

Jantar Mantar Protests, And DU Advisory

The protests at Jantar Mantar unfold against the backdrop of a paper leak controversy linked to the May 3 NEET-UG exam. The sit-in demonstration –– started by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at the Delhi landmark in June –– was joined by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The group, joined by thousands of protesting students, have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while also pushing for broader educational reforms.

On June 28, Wangchuk commenced an indefinite hunger strike that ended Friday, July 24, after he said that the government had assured him of “greater accountability" and a floor discussion on the paper leak row. He announced the Centre had promised him that no action would be taken against the protesting students in Delhi.

As protests intensified across the capital, the DU issued a notice that was also posted on ‘X’. “Dear students and faculty, your safety matters to us. Please note that any unlawful assemblies or demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, which are strictly regulated as per the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, may invite legal action."

It also warned students against a surge in misinformation and fake news, while advising them to refrain from participating in protests.

The protests took a decisive turn on July 20 with the CJP’s call to students to join the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. Joined by thousands of students, the demonstration saw reports of clashes between protestors and the police.

CJP, Centre To Meet After Noon

Amid protests, a delegation of the CJP is expected to meet Union Ministers at 12:30 PM today, sources told CNN-News18. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the Constitution Club of India was chosen as the venue of the meeting.

While Wangchuk withdrew his demand for Pradhan’s resignation, the CJP continues to insist upon it.

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