Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several Opposition MPs were detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday (Jul 21) while marching towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Political reactions followed the detention of top Opposition leaders, with the Opposition accusing the government of throttling democracy. The BJP has defended the police action as a law-and-order measure, but beyond the politics, the incident has revived an old constitutional question.Can the police detain a Member of Parliament while Parliament is in session? Does the Speaker's permission have to be taken first? And what exactly do parliamentary privileges protect?WION Decodes what the rules actually say.<h2>Can an MP be detained during a Parliament session?</h2>Yes, contrary to a common misconception, an MP can be arrested or detained while Parliament is in session. There is no legal requirement for the police to seek prior permission from the Lok Sabha Speaker or the Rajya Sabha Chairman before detaining an MP outside Parliament premises.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-should-not-happen-in-a-democracy-shashi-tharoor-slams-detention-of-rahul-gandhi-priyanka-gandhi-after-protest-outside-pm-modi-s-residence-1784684704207">'This should not happen in a democracy': Shashi Tharoor slams detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi after protest outside PM Modi's residence</a>However, that is only half the rule. Once an MP is arrested or detained, the concerned authority must immediately inform the Speaker or Chairman, giving details of the detention, the reasons and the place where the MP is being held.The presiding officer then communicates the information to the House, usually through a parliamentary bulletin.<h2>When is the Speaker's permission required?</h2>This is where many people get confused. Permission from the Speaker is required only if an arrest or detention takes place within the Parliament precincts. Outside Parliament, police do not need prior approval to act if they are exercising powers available under law.That distinction is central to the current debate because Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders were detained during a protest near Lok Kalyan Marg, not inside Parliament.<h2>What are parliamentary privileges?</h2>Parliamentary privileges are often misunderstood as legal immunity. However, they are not. The privileges granted to MPs by the Indian Constitution are intended to ensure that MPs can perform their legislative functions independently without outside interference.They primarily protect the freedom of speech inside Parliament, voting in the House, participation in parliamentary proceedings and committee work. Notably, they do not provide blanket immunity from criminal law or police action outside Parliament.<h2>Does parliamentary privilege extend to protests?</h2>Generally, no. Political rallies, marches and demonstrations outside Parliament are not covered by parliamentary privilege.Like any other citizen, MPs participating in public protests may be detained if police believe they are acting under powers available in law. The constitutional protection is linked to parliamentary functions, not political activity outside the House.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shocked-the-conscience-of-nation-congress-moves-adjournment-motions-in-lok-sabha-over-neet-paper-leak-police-action-on-student-protesters-1784694334862">'Shocked the conscience of nation': Congress moves motion in Lok Sabha to force Dharmendra Pradhan's statement and resignation</a><h2>So was LoP Rahul Gandhi's detention legal?</h2>That depends on how the detention was carried out. The parliamentary rules make two things clear: Police can detain an MP outside Parliament without obtaining prior permission from the Speaker; They must inform the Speaker or Chairman immediately after the detention.Whether Delhi Police complied with those procedural requirements, and whether the detention itself was justified on law-and-order grounds, are separate questions that could become matters for parliamentary scrutiny or judicial review.The rules themselves do not automatically make the detention either legal or illegal.<h2>The Engineer Rashid case: Can an MP serve while in custody?</h2>The debate over Rahul Gandhi's detention is not the first time questions have been raised about an MP's legal status while Parliament is in session. One of the most prominent examples is Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, the Lok Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla constituency.Rashid has been lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail since 2019 after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with a 2017 terror-funding case. Notably, despite being in judicial custody, he contested and won the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Baramulla, becoming one of the few sitting MPs to serve while incarcerated.Earlier this week, a Delhi court granted him custody parole to attend the Monsoon Session of Parliament under police escort. During the ongoing session (on 21 July 2026), Rashid staged a symbolic barefoot protest and observed a one-day hunger strike inside the Lok Sabha, demanding a time-bound dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir, restoration of statehood, restoration of Article 370 and the release of political prisoners.<h2>Why does this matter?</h2>The RaGa and Engineer Rashid episodes highlight the balance that India's constitutional framework tries to maintain. On one hand, Members of Parliament are elected representatives who enjoy certain privileges to ensure Parliament functions independently. On the other, those privileges are not meant to place MPs above ordinary law enforcement when they are outside Parliament.

The detention of Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs has revived questions over parliamentary privilege. Does the Indian Constitution allow police to detain MPs without prior permission from the Speaker? WION Decodes.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several Opposition MPs were detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday (Jul 21) while marching towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Political reactions followed the detention of top Opposition leaders, with the Opposition accusing the government of throttling democracy. The BJP has defended the police action as a law-and-order measure, but beyond the politics, the incident has revived an old constitutional question. Can the police detain a Member of Parliament while Parliament is in session? Does the Speaker's permission have to be taken first? And what exactly do parliamentary privileges protect? WION Decodes what the rules actually say. Can an MP be detained during a Parliament session? Yes, contrary to a common misconception, an MP can be arrested or detained while Parliament is in session. There is no legal requirement for the police to seek prior permission from the Lok Sabha Speaker or the Rajya Sabha Chairman before detaining an MP outside Parliament premises. Also read | 'This should not happen in a democracy': Shashi Tharoor slams detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi after protest outside PM Modi's residence However, that is only half the rule. Once an MP is arrested or detained, the concerned authority must immediately inform the Speaker or Chairman, giving details of the detention, the reasons and the place where the MP is being held. The presiding officer then communicates the information to the House, usually through a parliamentary bulletin. When is the Speaker's permission required? This is where many people get confused. Permission from the Speaker is required only if an arrest or detention takes place within the Parliament precincts. Outside Parliament, police do not need prior approval to act if they are exercising powers available under law. That distinction is central to the current debate because Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders were detained during a protest near Lok Kalyan Marg, not inside Parliament. What are parliamentary privileges? Parliamentary privileges are often misunderstood as legal immunity. However, they are not. The privileges granted to MPs by the Indian Constitution are intended to ensure that MPs can perform their legislative functions independently without outside interference. They primarily protect the freedom of speech inside Parliament, voting in the House, participation in parliamentary proceedings and committee work. Notably, they do not provide blanket immunity from criminal law or police action outside Parliament. Does parliamentary privilege extend to protests? Generally, no. Political rallies, marches and demonstrations outside Parliament are not covered by parliamentary privilege. Like any other citizen, MPs participating in public protests may be detained if police believe they are acting under powers available in law. The constitutional protection is linked to parliamentary functions, not political activity outside the House. Also read | 'Shocked the conscience of nation': Congress moves motion in Lok Sabha to force Dharmendra Pradhan's statement and resignation So was LoP Rahul Gandhi's detention legal? That depends on how the detention was carried out. The parliamentary rules make two things clear: Police can detain an MP outside Parliament without obtaining prior permission from the Speaker; They must inform the Speaker or Chairman immediately after the detention. Whether Delhi Police complied with those procedural requirements, and whether the detention itself was justified on law-and-order grounds, are separate questions that could become matters for parliamentary scrutiny or judicial review. The rules themselves do not automatically make the detention either legal or illegal. The Engineer Rashid case: Can an MP serve while in custody? The debate over Rahul Gandhi's detention is not the first time questions have been raised about an MP's legal status while Parliament is in session. One of the most prominent examples is Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, the Lok Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla constituency. Rashid has been lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail since 2019 after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with a 2017 terror-funding case. Notably, despite being in judicial custody, he contested and won the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Baramulla, becoming one of the few sitting MPs to serve while incarcerated. Earlier this week, a Delhi court granted him custody parole to attend the Monsoon Session of Parliament under police escort. During the ongoing session (on 21 July 2026), Rashid staged a symbolic barefoot protest and observed a one-day hunger strike inside the Lok Sabha, demanding a time-bound dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir, restoration of statehood, restoration of Article 370 and the release of political prisoners. Why does this matter? The RaGa and Engineer Rashid episodes highlight the balance that India's constitutional framework tries to maintain. On one hand, Members of Parliament are elected representatives who enjoy certain privileges to ensure Parliament functions independently. On the other, those privileges are not meant to place MPs above ordinary law enforcement when they are outside Parliament.

The detention of Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs has revived questions over parliamentary privilege. Does the Indian Constitution allow police to detain MPs without prior permission from the Speaker? WION Decodes.

Was Rahul Gandhi's detention during Parliament monsoon session illegal? What the law actually says | WION Decodes

The NEET protest has intensified in New Delhi as opposition leaders joined students demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. MPs arrived in Parliament wearing black in protest while thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar, calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and sweeping changes to India's entrance examination system. Heavy security remains deployed as political tensions continue to rise.

NEET Protest Intensifies: Opposition MPs wear black, students demand education reforms

Protests demanding education reforms and action over NEET exam issues continue in New Delhi as opposition leaders and students intensify their demonstrations. Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, joined a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, raising concerns over alleged exam paper leaks and the treatment of protesting students. Several opposition leaders were briefly detained by police and later released.

NEET protest escalates in Delhi | Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi detained during education reform protest

The NEET examination controversy has triggered fresh political confrontation in New Delhi as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders staged protests demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. Several leaders were briefly detained after demonstrating outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the government's position, stating that the Centre is committed to discussing the NEET issue in Parliament while accusing the opposition of politicizing students' concerns. Here's everything you need to know about the latest developments in the nationwide education reform protests.

NEET row escalates: Opposition protests outside PM Modi’s residence, Centre responds | CJP Protest

Protests demanding education reforms intensified in New Delhi as opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Akhilesh Yadav, were briefly detained after marching toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. The demonstrations centered on the NEET controversy, alleged exam paper leaks, and demands for accountability. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the opposition of politicizing student concerns, saying the government remains committed to addressing education issues in Parliament.

NEET Protest: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi detained amid massive NEET protest in New Delhi 

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday (Jul 21) criticised the detention of senior Congress leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saying such action had no place in a democracy.The Congress leaders were detained by Delhi Police after the Congress staged a protest near Lok Kalyan Marg, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. They were released later in the day.<h2>'Absolutely wrong': Congress steps up attack over NEET row</h2>Speaking to ANI after the protest, Tharoor said the party was only raising issues affecting the public. "What happened is absolutely wrong. This should not happen in a democracy. We need to raise the issues and the demands of the public," he said.The protest comes amid mounting pressure from the Opposition over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and growing demands for Pradhan's resignation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-had-no-interest-in-having-a-debate-lop-rahul-gandhi-demands-resignation-of-dharmendra-pradhan-amit-shah-1784660621757">LoP Rahul Gandhi demands resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, Amit Shah</a>Congress MP and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore launched a sharp attack on the Education Minister, accusing him of failing to take responsibility for repeated examination paper leaks."152 paper leaks from 2014. Shameless Pradhan resign first. 93 NEET-linked student suicides since 2021. At least 13 dead in the 46 days after his own government's paper leak forced a re-test," Tagore posted on X.He further alleged that the minister had responded to demands for accountability with "a Sanskrit shloka on the glory of the Guru.""Pradhan, the blood of India's brightest is on this NEET-UG scam. Spare us the sermon. Resign," he said.<h2>Rahul, Priyanka among leaders detained</h2>Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several senior Congress leaders were taken into preventive detention after protesters attempted to march towards the Prime Minister's residence.Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other Opposition leaders were taken to Chhatrasal Stadium, from where they were later released. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi was detained at the Mandir Marg Police Station.Among those participating in the protest were Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-congress-shamelessly-exploiting-students-as-political-tool-dharmendra-pradhan-on-protests-1784657063295">'Rahul Gandhi exploiting students as political tool': Dharmendra Pradhan</a><h2>Protest follows Wangchuk detention and July 20 Jantar Mantar chaos</h2>Tuesday's demonstration came a day after Delhi Police brutally cleared the Cockroach Janata Party's 'Sansad Chalo' protest at Jantar Mantar and shifted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital following a 21-day hunger strike over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.The Congress has sought to build on the momentum of the protests, accusing the Centre of failing to ensure accountability over alleged examination irregularities while demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders during a protest over the NEET-UG paper leak, calling the police action "absolutely wrong" and saying it had no place in a democracy.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday (Jul 21) criticised the detention of senior Congress leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saying such action had no place in a democracy. The Congress leaders were detained by Delhi Police after the Congress staged a protest near Lok Kalyan Marg, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. They were released later in the day. 'Absolutely wrong': Congress steps up attack over NEET row Speaking to ANI after the protest, Tharoor said the party was only raising issues affecting the public. "What happened is absolutely wrong. This should not happen in a democracy. We need to raise the issues and the demands of the public," he said. The protest comes amid mounting pressure from the Opposition over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and growing demands for Pradhan's resignation. Also read | LoP Rahul Gandhi demands resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, Amit Shah Congress MP and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore launched a sharp attack on the Education Minister, accusing him of failing to take responsibility for repeated examination paper leaks. "152 paper leaks from 2014. Shameless Pradhan resign first. 93 NEET-linked student suicides since 2021. At least 13 dead in the 46 days after his own government's paper leak forced a re-test," Tagore posted on X. He further alleged that the minister had responded to demands for accountability with "a Sanskrit shloka on the glory of the Guru." "Pradhan, the blood of India's brightest is on this NEET-UG scam. Spare us the sermon. Resign," he said. Rahul, Priyanka among leaders detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several senior Congress leaders were taken into preventive detention after protesters attempted to march towards the Prime Minister's residence. Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other Opposition leaders were taken to Chhatrasal Stadium, from where they were later released. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi was detained at the Mandir Marg Police Station. Among those participating in the protest were Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Also read | 'Rahul Gandhi exploiting students as political tool': Dharmendra Pradhan Protest follows Wangchuk detention and July 20 Jantar Mantar chaos Tuesday's demonstration came a day after Delhi Police brutally cleared the Cockroach Janata Party's 'Sansad Chalo' protest at Jantar Mantar and shifted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital following a 21-day hunger strike over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The Congress has sought to build on the momentum of the protests, accusing the Centre of failing to ensure accountability over alleged examination irregularities while demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders during a protest over the NEET-UG paper leak, calling the police action "absolutely wrong" and saying it had no place in a democracy.

'This should not happen in a democracy': Shashi Tharoor slams detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi after protest outside PM Modi's residence

A day after thousands of protesters hit the streets in India's capital seeking accountability from the government, protests are no longer limited to Jantar Mantar alone.&nbsp;As activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered day 24, a major political drama unfolded outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence.&nbsp;Key Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, staged a dharna to seek justice for students.&nbsp;The government sent Union Minister Jitendra Singh to convince Rahul Gandhi to end the dharna, but his attempt was unsuccessful.&nbsp;Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also joined the protest. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and other senior leaders were subsequently detained and removed from the protest site by Delhi Police.&nbsp;The leaders were later released after being taken into custody. Rahul Gandhi was taken to Chhatrasal Stadium along with other senior Congress leaders and Akhilesh Yadav, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was taken to Mandir Marg police station.&nbsp;Singh claimed that Gandhi went back on his promise to end the dharna after the government agreed to discuss the NEET issue in Parliament.&nbsp;Instead, the Union Minister accused Gandhi of putting forth a fresh demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.&nbsp;Earlier, Gandhi appealed to all patriotic Indians to join his sit-in and openly called for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to meet protesters who were injured after clashes broke out between them and security forces on Monday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-prepares-fresh-tariffs-as-10-global-levy-set-to-expire-on-july-24-1784648368866">Trump administration prepares fresh tariffs as 10% global levy set to expire on July 24</a>&nbsp;While the CJP accused Delhi Police of using brute force against peaceful protesters marching towards Parliament, police alleged that protesters attacked them with stones and other objects.&nbsp;According to Delhi Police, protesters deliberately violated prohibitory orders, attempted to breach barricades, vandalised 15 to 20 government vehicles and damaged public property.&nbsp;More than 118 police personnel and 60 protesters sustained injuries, while 70 protesters were detained. Five FIRs have been registered so far in connection with the violence.&nbsp;Union Health Minister JP Nadda also visited two hospitals to inquire about the condition of injured protesters and reviewed the medical facilities being provided to them.&nbsp;However, Prime Minister Modi addressed the issue of paper leaks at a meeting of MPs belonging to the ruling National Democratic Alliance.&nbsp;According to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Prime Minister called for collective national efforts to build a foolproof examination system.&nbsp;In another development, Sonam Wangchuk secured major relief from a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court.&nbsp;Hearing his wife Gitanjali Angmo's petition, the court ordered that he be shifted to Medanta Hospital, his preferred choice.&nbsp;The court also directed a team of doctors to constantly monitor his health condition and allowed Angmo unrestricted access to her husband.&nbsp;While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Wangchuk should not be discharged against medical advice, the court refused to get into that aspect.&nbsp;Meanwhile, political leaders continued to extend support to the CJP protest.&nbsp;AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule visited the protest site at Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee also extended her support to the protesting students.&nbsp;Although Rahul Gandhi met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla earlier in the day and sought a discussion on the injuries inflicted on protesters and the NEET issue, the Opposition accused the ruling party of stifling its voice, leading to Parliament being adjourned.&nbsp;This raises some key questions.&nbsp;Why isn't the government allowing a debate on issues concerning students? Why did it take this long for the Centre to start a dialogue? Calls for more accountability are growing.

Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders were detained and later released after staging a dharna outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, as Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 24th day amid growing protests over the NEET issue.

A day after thousands of protesters hit the streets in India's capital seeking accountability from the government, protests are no longer limited to Jantar Mantar alone. As activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered day 24, a major political drama unfolded outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Key Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, staged a dharna to seek justice for students. The government sent Union Minister Jitendra Singh to convince Rahul Gandhi to end the dharna, but his attempt was unsuccessful. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also joined the protest. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and other senior leaders were subsequently detained and removed from the protest site by Delhi Police. The leaders were later released after being taken into custody. Rahul Gandhi was taken to Chhatrasal Stadium along with other senior Congress leaders and Akhilesh Yadav, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was taken to Mandir Marg police station. Singh claimed that Gandhi went back on his promise to end the dharna after the government agreed to discuss the NEET issue in Parliament. Instead, the Union Minister accused Gandhi of putting forth a fresh demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Earlier, Gandhi appealed to all patriotic Indians to join his sit-in and openly called for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to meet protesters who were injured after clashes broke out between them and security forces on Monday. Also Read: Trump administration prepares fresh tariffs as 10% global levy set to expire on July 24 While the CJP accused Delhi Police of using brute force against peaceful protesters marching towards Parliament, police alleged that protesters attacked them with stones and other objects. According to Delhi Police, protesters deliberately violated prohibitory orders, attempted to breach barricades, vandalised 15 to 20 government vehicles and damaged public property. More than 118 police personnel and 60 protesters sustained injuries, while 70 protesters were detained. Five FIRs have been registered so far in connection with the violence. Union Health Minister JP Nadda also visited two hospitals to inquire about the condition of injured protesters and reviewed the medical facilities being provided to them. However, Prime Minister Modi addressed the issue of paper leaks at a meeting of MPs belonging to the ruling National Democratic Alliance. According to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Prime Minister called for collective national efforts to build a foolproof examination system. In another development, Sonam Wangchuk secured major relief from a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court. Hearing his wife Gitanjali Angmo's petition, the court ordered that he be shifted to Medanta Hospital, his preferred choice. The court also directed a team of doctors to constantly monitor his health condition and allowed Angmo unrestricted access to her husband. While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Wangchuk should not be discharged against medical advice, the court refused to get into that aspect. Meanwhile, political leaders continued to extend support to the CJP protest. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule visited the protest site at Jantar Mantar. Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee also extended her support to the protesting students. Although Rahul Gandhi met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla earlier in the day and sought a discussion on the injuries inflicted on protesters and the NEET issue, the Opposition accused the ruling party of stifling its voice, leading to Parliament being adjourned. This raises some key questions. Why isn't the government allowing a debate on issues concerning students? Why did it take this long for the Centre to start a dialogue? Calls for more accountability are growing.

Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders were detained and later released after staging a dharna outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, as Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 24th day amid growing protests over the NEET issue.

Rahul Gandhi released after detention during dharna outside PM Modi's residence, Wangchuk's fast enters day 24

In a fresh escalation, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi along with other key Congress leaders were detained by the Delhi Police after they staged a dharna outside PM Modi's residence. This comes a day after thousands hit the streets of Delhi to seek justice for NEET students. As Sonam Wangchuk's fast entered day 24, the Delhi High Court directed him to be shifted to a hospital of his choice.


Rahul Gandhi detained for dharna outside PM's residence, Wangchuk's fast enters day 24

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were released hours after they were taken into custody by police during a sit-in protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police took Rahul Gandhi to Chhatrasal Stadium along with other senior Congress leaders and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was taken to Mandir Marg police station, where senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi visited to show solidarity with the protesters.&nbsp;The BJP strongly criticised the Congress leaders' protest, with party president Nitin Nabin condemning Rahul Gandhi's conduct outside the Prime Minister's residence.&nbsp;"Rahul Gandhi's conduct outside the PM's residence was certainly unfortunate. It is a black day in the history of Indian politics," said BJP chief Nitin Nabin.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-akhilesh-yadav-detained-during-sit-in-outside-prime-minister-residence-1784640947559">Watch | Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka detained during sit-in outside prime minister residence</a>&nbsp;After her release, the Wayanad MP defended the Congress's decision to hold a sit-in outside the Prime Minister's residence, saying, "we have reached a place where the government never expected" because the government does not allow discussion in Parliament.&nbsp;“When we want to hold a sit-in protest to raise our voice against injustice, permission for that is not granted,” she added.&nbsp;The Congress also reiterated its demands shortly after the senior leaders were released, accusing the Modi government of police brutality and describing its actions as "anti-democratic".&nbsp;In a post on X, the Congress listed its demands, saying, "Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. The FIRs filed against students following yesterday's protest must be withdrawn immediately"."A concrete discussion on the exam paper leak must be held in," it added.&nbsp;Delhi Police detained 70 people on July 20 after violence broke out during the CJP protest. Police arrested them for allegedly disturbing public order and released them on bail on Tuesday.&nbsp;Police have so far registered six FIRs in connection with the clashes and vandalism during the protest.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Atishi and Sanjay Singh accused the Congress of hijacking the student movement and colluding with the ruling BJP.&nbsp;"Also very interesting: the same Delhi Police that was not allowing CJP to move even 100 metres towards Parliament, allowed Rahul Gandhi to reach right outside PM Residence!&nbsp;Do we need any more evidence that Congress-BJP is one unit?," former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said in a post on X.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others were released after being detained during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, while Delhi Police released 70 protesters detained during the CJP march.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were released hours after they were taken into custody by police during a sit-in protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi on Tuesday. Police took Rahul Gandhi to Chhatrasal Stadium along with other senior Congress leaders and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was taken to Mandir Marg police station, where senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi visited to show solidarity with the protesters. The BJP strongly criticised the Congress leaders' protest, with party president Nitin Nabin condemning Rahul Gandhi's conduct outside the Prime Minister's residence. "Rahul Gandhi's conduct outside the PM's residence was certainly unfortunate. It is a black day in the history of Indian politics," said BJP chief Nitin Nabin. Also Read: Watch | Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka detained during sit-in outside prime minister residence After her release, the Wayanad MP defended the Congress's decision to hold a sit-in outside the Prime Minister's residence, saying, "we have reached a place where the government never expected" because the government does not allow discussion in Parliament. “When we want to hold a sit-in protest to raise our voice against injustice, permission for that is not granted,” she added. The Congress also reiterated its demands shortly after the senior leaders were released, accusing the Modi government of police brutality and describing its actions as "anti-democratic". In a post on X, the Congress listed its demands, saying, "Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. The FIRs filed against students following yesterday's protest must be withdrawn immediately". "A concrete discussion on the exam paper leak must be held in," it added. Delhi Police detained 70 people on July 20 after violence broke out during the CJP protest. Police arrested them for allegedly disturbing public order and released them on bail on Tuesday. Police have so far registered six FIRs in connection with the clashes and vandalism during the protest. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Atishi and Sanjay Singh accused the Congress of hijacking the student movement and colluding with the ruling BJP. "Also very interesting: the same Delhi Police that was not allowing CJP to move even 100 metres towards Parliament, allowed Rahul Gandhi to reach right outside PM Residence! Do we need any more evidence that Congress-BJP is one unit?," former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said in a post on X.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others were released after being detained during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, while Delhi Police released 70 protesters detained during the CJP march.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka released after detention outside PM's residence, vow to fight on

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accompanied by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, protested outside the Prime Minister’s Lok Kalyan Marg residence on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of PM Narendra Modi over the police action against students protesting on the NEET paper leak issue.


Rahul Gandhi’s protest outside PM Modi’s residence, demands accountability on paper leak

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were forcibly removed from a sit-in protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi on Tuesday after they refused to end the demonstration.&nbsp;The Congress leaders were protesting against the police action against students during the Cockroach Janta Party's march to Parliament a day earlier. They were also demanding accountability over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.&nbsp;While being detained by Delhi Police, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “They are cowards. They are scared. We are not scared of them. They are scared of us.”&nbsp;Several other Congress leaders and workers were also detained as police dispersed the demonstrators.&nbsp;The development came after Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh met Rahul Gandhi during the Congress protest at Lok Kalyan Marg. Singh later accused the Congress leader of going back on his word and called his conduct "unfortunate and contrary to every norm of democracy".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Video captures Delhi Police personnel trying to take opposition leader Rahul Gandhi away from protest site near PM Modi’s residence Video: <a href="https://x.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/HX0lWdzbbs">pic.twitter.com/HX0lWdzbbs</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2079561558360011137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Jitendra Singh says Rahul Gandhi changed demands</h2>In a post on X, Singh said Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, suddenly began a sit-in near Akbar Road along with their supporters.&nbsp;The minister said the government sent him and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan to speak with the leaders, considering their seniority. He said he requested Rahul Gandhi to end the protest as the location was not meant for demonstrations and the sit-in was causing inconvenience to the public.&nbsp;According to Singh, Rahul Gandhi initially demanded that Parliament discuss all issues related to NEET and the associated agitation. He allegedly said he would immediately end the protest if the government agreed to the demand.&nbsp;"Within a few moments, after taking permission from the government's top leadership, Shri Rahul Gandhi was assured that his demand has been accepted, and the government is ready to discuss in Parliament all issues related to NEET and the associated movement," the Union Minister said.Singh claimed that Rahul Gandhi later added another demand, seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.&nbsp;"When this information was conveyed to Shri Rahul Gandhi, he said that he would not agree to this alone but also sought assurance for the resignation of the Union Education Minister," he added. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over police action against protesters during their march to Parliament. He urged people who believe in justice for students to join the Congress protest near the Prime Minister's residence.&nbsp;"An attack on students is an attack on every Indian family. PM Modi believes he can get away without answers, without consequences. He cannot. Not this time. I appeal to every patriotic Indian who believes our students deserve justice - join us in a dharna in front of the Prime Minister's residence. The voice of India's students will not be ignored," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.

Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav were detained by Delhi Police during a sit-in near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, while Union Minister Jitendra Singh accused the Congress leader of changing his demands over the NEET issue.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were forcibly removed from a sit-in protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi on Tuesday after they refused to end the demonstration. The Congress leaders were protesting against the police action against students during the Cockroach Janta Party's march to Parliament a day earlier. They were also demanding accountability over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. While being detained by Delhi Police, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “They are cowards. They are scared. We are not scared of them. They are scared of us.” Several other Congress leaders and workers were also detained as police dispersed the demonstrators. The development came after Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh met Rahul Gandhi during the Congress protest at Lok Kalyan Marg. Singh later accused the Congress leader of going back on his word and called his conduct "unfortunate and contrary to every norm of democracy".

Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav were detained by Delhi Police during a sit-in near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, while Union Minister Jitendra Singh accused the Congress leader of changing his demands over the NEET issue.

Watch | Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka detained during sit-in outside prime minister residence

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (Jul 17) launched a sharp attack on the Centre over repeated examination paper leaks, alleging that India’s education system has reached a stage where leaked question papers are being sold at fixed prices and advanced technology is being misused to manipulate recruitment and entrance exams.Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ rally in Dehradun, Gandhi claimed that paper leaks have become “institutionalised” and that honest students are suffering because of a system that benefits a select few. During his speech, he displayed a series of graphics to highlight what he described as the scale of the problem.One of the graphics, titled “Paper Ka Rate”, showed alleged prices of leaked examination papers. Gandhi listed alleged prices of leaked papers such as NEET UG 2026 for Rs 40 lakhs, IIT-JEE 2021 and Uttarakhand Patwari 2025 for Rs 15 lakhs, Bihar Teacher Recruitment 2024 for Rs 10 lakhs and Odisha Police Sub-Inspector 2025 for Rs 25 lakhs.“If you have crores, you can select from a menu card of paper leaks,” Gandhi claimed, alleging that sophisticated technology was being used to compromise the examination process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-5-lakh-for-neet-questions-cbi-uncovers-conspiracy-behind-paper-leak-1784186292410">Rs 5 lakh for NEET questions: CBI uncovers conspiracy behind paper leak</a>The Congress leader said students face four major injustices – the rising cost of education, limited opportunities, intense competition and the recurring issue of paper leaks. He alleged that the education system has reached a point where “paper leaks have become the norm”.Gandhi also presented a graphic titled “Paper Leak Epidemic”, claiming that millions of students have been affected by hundreds of alleged paper leak cases, while questioning the lack of convictions.Targeting the entire examination ecosystem, Gandhi alleged that multiple layers, including exam agencies, vendors, printers, paper setters, transporters, coaching centres and examination centres, need accountability. He claimed that a small group exploiting the system harms the majority of honest students.Calling for immediate measures, Gandhi demanded compensation and protection for students affected by paper leaks, along with fresh examinations wherever required. He urged the government to move towards a “student-centric” examination model with secure question banks and randomised papers. Gandhi said India needs to replace the current system with a technology-driven 21st-century framework. He also appealed for political consensus to end paper leaks, saying the issue should not become a matter of partisan politics. &nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of allowing paper leaks to become institutionalised, claiming leaked exam papers are sold for lakhs. He demanded secure, student-centric reforms to fix India’s exam system.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (Jul 17) launched a sharp attack on the Centre over repeated examination paper leaks, alleging that India’s education system has reached a stage where leaked question papers are being sold at fixed prices and advanced technology is being misused to manipulate recruitment and entrance exams. Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ rally in Dehradun, Gandhi claimed that paper leaks have become “institutionalised” and that honest students are suffering because of a system that benefits a select few. During his speech, he displayed a series of graphics to highlight what he described as the scale of the problem. One of the graphics, titled “Paper Ka Rate”, showed alleged prices of leaked examination papers. Gandhi listed alleged prices of leaked papers such as NEET UG 2026 for Rs 40 lakhs, IIT-JEE 2021 and Uttarakhand Patwari 2025 for Rs 15 lakhs, Bihar Teacher Recruitment 2024 for Rs 10 lakhs and Odisha Police Sub-Inspector 2025 for Rs 25 lakhs. “If you have crores, you can select from a menu card of paper leaks,” Gandhi claimed, alleging that sophisticated technology was being used to compromise the examination process. Also read | Rs 5 lakh for NEET questions: CBI uncovers conspiracy behind paper leak The Congress leader said students face four major injustices – the rising cost of education, limited opportunities, intense competition and the recurring issue of paper leaks. He alleged that the education system has reached a point where “paper leaks have become the norm”. Gandhi also presented a graphic titled “Paper Leak Epidemic”, claiming that millions of students have been affected by hundreds of alleged paper leak cases, while questioning the lack of convictions. Targeting the entire examination ecosystem, Gandhi alleged that multiple layers, including exam agencies, vendors, printers, paper setters, transporters, coaching centres and examination centres, need accountability. He claimed that a small group exploiting the system harms the majority of honest students. Calling for immediate measures, Gandhi demanded compensation and protection for students affected by paper leaks, along with fresh examinations wherever required. He urged the government to move towards a “student-centric” examination model with secure question banks and randomised papers. Gandhi said India needs to replace the current system with a technology-driven 21st-century framework. He also appealed for political consensus to end paper leaks, saying the issue should not become a matter of partisan politics.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of allowing paper leaks to become institutionalised, claiming leaked exam papers are sold for lakhs. He demanded secure, student-centric reforms to fix India’s exam system.

‘Menu card of paper leaks’: Rahul Gandhi claims NEET question paper being sold for Rs 40 lakhs

Youth Congress workers in Varanasi, on the 56th Birthday of the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, put up a poster depicting Rahul Gandhi in attire resembling that of Hindu deities with the Constitution of India in one hand and a battleaxe in the other hand. They carried out some rituals and chants along with pouring milk and flower petals on the portrait of Rahul Gandhi standing in knee-deep water of the Ganga River.&nbsp;BJP supporters on social media targeted the Congress leader over the depiction, calling it a lookalike of Parshuram and accused of “mockery and blasphemy”. "How can these Congress workers portray Rahul Gandhi as Parashurama? It's nothing short of blasphemy. They should be booked for hurting religious sentiments," said one BJP supporter. “Dieties are sacred and should never be used for political glorification or personality cults. After Hindu terror, mocking Sanatan, questioning Prabhu Ram's existence, now this! What a shame. This has become a pattern !! Will Rahul Gandhi apologise? Is he Bhagwan? Is he above crores of Hindus ?” said another user.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-poll-trump-netanyahu-us-iran-talks-1781858555237">Only 11% of Israelis believe Israel won war with Iran and only 13% trust Trump</a><h2>Deification of Indian political leaders</h2>The deification of political leaders in India is not a recent phenomenon. BJP, which is traditionally the Hindu nationalist party have been accused of depicting its leaders as reincarnations of gods. During the 2014 elections, a chant became popular, which was “Har Har Modi”. In a similar occurrence during the inauguration of Ram Mandir, a larger-than-life figure of Narendra Modi was shown walking with a child-like depiction of Lord Ram guiding him towards Ram Mandir. Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel has publicly declared Modi as Avatari Purush sent to end the cultural despair of Hindu. Congress, which calls itself a secular socialist party, follows the BJP closely. &nbsp;There is a temple dedicated to the deceased Indira Gandhi in central India, and worship there continued at least till 2017. There had been references to goddess Durga by party workers with both Indira Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Indian society, even though excelling at science and technology, has elements of dogmatism, which many social scientists call localised religion. The Prime Minister of India, during the 2024 election campaign, in a highly publicised interview, said that he did not consider himself born through the standard biological process following his mother's death. &nbsp;It reflects the social fabric of India, where the boundary between sacred and secular is fluid and is usually blurred by political leaders for electoral ambitions and their sycophant followers to gain favour from those leaders.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: On Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi’s birthday, Youth Congress workers held a unique celebration in Kashi, portraying him as Lord Parashurama, performing a milk abhishek, celebrating in the Ganga, cutting a laddoo cake, and displaying him holding a copy of the… <a href="https://t.co/2HWWXZ1wk1">pic.twitter.com/2HWWXZ1wk1</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://x.com/ians_india/status/2067828676876763238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A Rahul Gandhi birthday celebration in Varanasi has triggered controversy after Youth Congress workers depicted him in attire resembling a Hindu deity. BJP supporters accused Congress of hurting religious sentiments, reigniting debate over the deification of political leaders in India.

Youth Congress workers in Varanasi, on the 56th Birthday of the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, put up a poster depicting Rahul Gandhi in attire resembling that of Hindu deities with the Constitution of India in one hand and a battleaxe in the other hand. They carried out some rituals and chants along with pouring milk and flower petals on the portrait of Rahul Gandhi standing in knee-deep water of the Ganga River. BJP supporters on social media targeted the Congress leader over the depiction, calling it a lookalike of Parshuram and accused of “mockery and blasphemy”. "How can these Congress workers portray Rahul Gandhi as Parashurama? It's nothing short of blasphemy. They should be booked for hurting religious sentiments," said one BJP supporter. “Dieties are sacred and should never be used for political glorification or personality cults. After Hindu terror, mocking Sanatan, questioning Prabhu Ram's existence, now this! What a shame. This has become a pattern !! Will Rahul Gandhi apologise? Is he Bhagwan? Is he above crores of Hindus ?” said another user. Also Read: Only 11% of Israelis believe Israel won war with Iran and only 13% trust Trump Deification of Indian political leaders The deification of political leaders in India is not a recent phenomenon. BJP, which is traditionally the Hindu nationalist party have been accused of depicting its leaders as reincarnations of gods. During the 2014 elections, a chant became popular, which was “Har Har Modi”. In a similar occurrence during the inauguration of Ram Mandir, a larger-than-life figure of Narendra Modi was shown walking with a child-like depiction of Lord Ram guiding him towards Ram Mandir. Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel has publicly declared Modi as Avatari Purush sent to end the cultural despair of Hindu. Congress, which calls itself a secular socialist party, follows the BJP closely. There is a temple dedicated to the deceased Indira Gandhi in central India, and worship there continued at least till 2017. There had been references to goddess Durga by party workers with both Indira Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Indian society, even though excelling at science and technology, has elements of dogmatism, which many social scientists call localised religion. The Prime Minister of India, during the 2024 election campaign, in a highly publicised interview, said that he did not consider himself born through the standard biological process following his mother's death. It reflects the social fabric of India, where the boundary between sacred and secular is fluid and is usually blurred by political leaders for electoral ambitions and their sycophant followers to gain favour from those leaders.

A Rahul Gandhi birthday celebration in Varanasi has triggered controversy after Youth Congress workers depicted him in attire resembling a Hindu deity. BJP supporters accused Congress of hurting religious sentiments, reigniting debate over the deification of political leaders in India.

Rahul Gandhi depicted in deity-like attire by Youth Congress workers triggers controversy

Tamil Nadu’s erstwhile ruling party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, mocking the Congress leader as “a joke” and calling him “politically immature” while also accusing him of “weakening” the opposition alliance. The DMK attack follows the split in its years-old alliance with the Congress party after the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, when the INC announced an alliance with Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).&nbsp;DMK alleged in its official mouthpiece Murasoli that the Congress seeks the support of its allies during national parliamentary elections, but it works to undermine them during state-level assembly polls.“In state after state where assembly elections are held, Congress has done everything possible to prevent fellow INDIA bloc partners from coming to power. Yet, when parliamentary elections arrive, it seeks their support in the name of fighting the BJP,” the mouthpiece said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-foiled-plot-to-attack-sunday-s-ufc-event-at-white-house-with-explosive-drones-says-kash-patel-1781613184332">FBI foiled plot to attack Sunday’s UFC event at White House with explosive drones, says Kash Patel</a><h2>‘Congress jumped ship the minute they saw a shiny new toy’</h2>&nbsp;In a simultaneous attack, the DMK’s IT said in a post on X that the Congress “jumped ship the minute they saw a shiny new toy.”“We carried the INC on our shoulders when they were fighting for their political survival, only for them to jump ship the second they saw a shiny new toy. It just proves that the “brother” hasn’t grown up at all; he’s still a massive joke.”&nbsp;“Don’t come running back to us when the tide turns. Good luck surviving!” the DMK IT cell added.&nbsp;Murasoli also took exception to Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks following the INDIA bloc meeting and alleged that it was the Congress leader himself who had contributed to divisions among opposition parties.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-focus-now-on-ukraine-do-whatever-i-can-says-trump-at-g7-summit-1781608500726">‘Will focus now on Ukraine, do whatever I can,’ says Trump at G7 Summit</a><h2>‘Rahul Gandhi is now lecturing, but who weakened unity in various states’</h2>&nbsp;Murasoli accused Rahul Gandhi of preaching opposition unity while allegedly undermining it. Referring to his comments on coalition partners, the editorial said, “Rahul Gandhi is lecturing on unity. But who weakened that unity in various states?”&nbsp;The attacks came after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu as the Congress, which won five Assembly seats as part of the DMK-led alliance in the 2026 Assembly elections, quit and joined the Vijay-led TVK government as a coalition partner.The DMK recently boycotted an INDIA bloc meeting, saying it would not participate in a meeting convened by Congress, though it would continue to support issues raised by other opposition parties in the alliance.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-summit-2026-what-would-success-look-like-in-vian-amid-turbulent-times-1781524196880">G7 Summit 2026: What would success look like in Évian amid turbulent times?</a>&nbsp;The editorial also referred to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism by Left parties in Kerala. It recalled that Communist leaders had strongly objected when during election campaigns, Rahul Gandhi demanded the arrest of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and accused the Left Democratic Front government of having a secret understanding with the BJP.&nbsp;Rahul’s attacks prompted Left leaders to question whether Congress was more interested in targeting its allies than taking on the BJP.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Rahul’s political approach repeatedly created friction in opposition alliance’</h2>&nbsp;The editorial argued that Rahul Gandhi’s political approach had repeatedly created friction within the opposition alliance.It also mocked Rahul Gandhi’s recent assurances to alliance partners, asking whether such promises would be trusted after the Congress’ conduct in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;Murasoli blamed Rahul Gandhi’s “political immaturity” and lack of consistency for the growing friction within the INDIA bloc and said that opposition parties are now increasingly directing their criticism at Congress rather than the BJP.&nbsp;However, Congress sources rejected the allegations, maintaining that the party had acted in accordance with the people’s verdict in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;“The Congress respected the people’s mandate in Tamil Nadu,” a party source said, dismissing suggestions that the party had undermined either the DMK or the INDIA bloc.

DMK mouthpiece Murasoli blamed Rahul Gandhi’s “political immaturity” and lack of consistency for the growing friction within the INDIA bloc and said that opposition parties are now increasingly directing their criticism at Congress rather than the BJP.

Tamil Nadu’s erstwhile ruling party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, mocking the Congress leader as “a joke” and calling him “politically immature” while also accusing him of “weakening” the opposition alliance. The DMK attack follows the split in its years-old alliance with the Congress party after the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, when the INC announced an alliance with Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). DMK alleged in its official mouthpiece Murasoli that the Congress seeks the support of its allies during national parliamentary elections, but it works to undermine them during state-level assembly polls. “In state after state where assembly elections are held, Congress has done everything possible to prevent fellow INDIA bloc partners from coming to power. Yet, when parliamentary elections arrive, it seeks their support in the name of fighting the BJP,” the mouthpiece said. Also Read: FBI foiled plot to attack Sunday’s UFC event at White House with explosive drones, says Kash Patel ‘Congress jumped ship the minute they saw a shiny new toy’ In a simultaneous attack, the DMK’s IT said in a post on X that the Congress “jumped ship the minute they saw a shiny new toy.” “We carried the INC on our shoulders when they were fighting for their political survival, only for them to jump ship the second they saw a shiny new toy. It just proves that the “brother” hasn’t grown up at all; he’s still a massive joke.” “Don’t come running back to us when the tide turns. Good luck surviving!” the DMK IT cell added. Murasoli also took exception to Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks following the INDIA bloc meeting and alleged that it was the Congress leader himself who had contributed to divisions among opposition parties. Also Read: ‘Will focus now on Ukraine, do whatever I can,’ says Trump at G7 Summit ‘Rahul Gandhi is now lecturing, but who weakened unity in various states’ Murasoli accused Rahul Gandhi of preaching opposition unity while allegedly undermining it. Referring to his comments on coalition partners, the editorial said, “Rahul Gandhi is lecturing on unity. But who weakened that unity in various states?” The attacks came after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu as the Congress, which won five Assembly seats as part of the DMK-led alliance in the 2026 Assembly elections, quit and joined the Vijay-led TVK government as a coalition partner. The DMK recently boycotted an INDIA bloc meeting, saying it would not participate in a meeting convened by Congress, though it would continue to support issues raised by other opposition parties in the alliance. Also Read: G7 Summit 2026: What would success look like in Évian amid turbulent times? The editorial also referred to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism by Left parties in Kerala. It recalled that Communist leaders had strongly objected when during election campaigns, Rahul Gandhi demanded the arrest of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and accused the Left Democratic Front government of having a secret understanding with the BJP. Rahul’s attacks prompted Left leaders to question whether Congress was more interested in targeting its allies than taking on the BJP. ‘Rahul’s political approach repeatedly created friction in opposition alliance’ The editorial argued that Rahul Gandhi’s political approach had repeatedly created friction within the opposition alliance. It also mocked Rahul Gandhi’s recent assurances to alliance partners, asking whether such promises would be trusted after the Congress’ conduct in Tamil Nadu. Murasoli blamed Rahul Gandhi’s “political immaturity” and lack of consistency for the growing friction within the INDIA bloc and said that opposition parties are now increasingly directing their criticism at Congress rather than the BJP. However, Congress sources rejected the allegations, maintaining that the party had acted in accordance with the people’s verdict in Tamil Nadu. “The Congress respected the people’s mandate in Tamil Nadu,” a party source said, dismissing suggestions that the party had undermined either the DMK or the INDIA bloc.

DMK mouthpiece Murasoli blamed Rahul Gandhi’s “political immaturity” and lack of consistency for the growing friction within the INDIA bloc and said that opposition parties are now increasingly directing their criticism at Congress rather than the BJP.

‘A joke, politically immature’: DMK blames Rahul Gandhi for split with Congress, weakening opposition

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement on US military strike on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman that killed three Indian seafarers has triggered a backlash in India. Rubio defended the attack without showing any condolences or remorse for the Indian lives lost in the attack. In a statement, Rubio said that “all security should immediately comply with orders from the US forces as they seek to uphold peace and security in the strait”. India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned the US chargé d’affaires twice within three days to protest the deaths and demand accountability. Though the statement from the US lacked any acknowledgement of Indian lives lost.&nbsp;Opposition MP Sashi Tharoor called it “ deeply insensitive”. He said he was deeply “shocked” and asked whether targeting the propulsion or steering system could have been a more proportional response instead of killing Indians. “Practically every merchant ship navigating these crucial waters has an Indian crew on board. Are they all considered fair game for US missiles now?” wrote Tharoor in a post on social media platform X.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-birthday-gift-for-trump-us-iran-deal-friday-israel-jeopardises-agreement-1781510773241">How Washington plans to embed Israel into America's defence and intelligence ecosystem</a>Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi went further. He called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence, labelling him a “compromised PM” and “an obedient servant” to Washington. Rahul Gandhi further raised the case of Indian sailor Nishanth Uirthanathan, who died due to medical complications aboard MT Celestial docked at Duqm Port in Oman, and urged the government to expedite the repatriation of his mortal remains.He criticised Modi's lack of public statement, asserting that "a free country would never tolerate such language". He accused Modi of failing to protect Indian citizens and the country's "national dignity".&nbsp;Senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the government's response as “shameful”, suggesting that India must assert itself against foreign high-handedness. Congress President Malikarjun Kharge said that “Indian lives cannot be treated as an afterthought in matters of foreign policy,” adding that “silence is not a substitute for accountability.”Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that Modi not only signed away the future of Indian farmers in a deal which “saw the Modi Government unilaterally make enormous concessions” but also promised to purchase approximately $500 billion worth of American goods over the next five years. He claimed that countries like Malaysia had made their trade agreement with the US null and void following the US Supreme Court decision. He urged New Delhi to postpone the visit of the US Trade Representative, in light of the US Supreme Court decision, the recent US attacks on Indians commercial vessels and the lack of remorse from Marco Rubio's statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor and other opposition leaders have targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended a US strike that killed three Indian seafarers without expressing condolences.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement on US military strike on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman that killed three Indian seafarers has triggered a backlash in India. Rubio defended the attack without showing any condolences or remorse for the Indian lives lost in the attack. In a statement, Rubio said that “all security should immediately comply with orders from the US forces as they seek to uphold peace and security in the strait”. India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned the US chargé d’affaires twice within three days to protest the deaths and demand accountability. Though the statement from the US lacked any acknowledgement of Indian lives lost. Opposition MP Sashi Tharoor called it “ deeply insensitive”. He said he was deeply “shocked” and asked whether targeting the propulsion or steering system could have been a more proportional response instead of killing Indians. “Practically every merchant ship navigating these crucial waters has an Indian crew on board. Are they all considered fair game for US missiles now?” wrote Tharoor in a post on social media platform X. Also Read: How Washington plans to embed Israel into America's defence and intelligence ecosystem Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi went further. He called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence, labelling him a “compromised PM” and “an obedient servant” to Washington. Rahul Gandhi further raised the case of Indian sailor Nishanth Uirthanathan, who died due to medical complications aboard MT Celestial docked at Duqm Port in Oman, and urged the government to expedite the repatriation of his mortal remains. He criticised Modi's lack of public statement, asserting that "a free country would never tolerate such language". He accused Modi of failing to protect Indian citizens and the country's "national dignity". Senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the government's response as “shameful”, suggesting that India must assert itself against foreign high-handedness. Congress President Malikarjun Kharge said that “Indian lives cannot be treated as an afterthought in matters of foreign policy,” adding that “silence is not a substitute for accountability.” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that Modi not only signed away the future of Indian farmers in a deal which “saw the Modi Government unilaterally make enormous concessions” but also promised to purchase approximately $500 billion worth of American goods over the next five years. He claimed that countries like Malaysia had made their trade agreement with the US null and void following the US Supreme Court decision. He urged New Delhi to postpone the visit of the US Trade Representative, in light of the US Supreme Court decision, the recent US attacks on Indians commercial vessels and the lack of remorse from Marco Rubio's statement.

Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor and other opposition leaders have targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended a US strike that killed three Indian seafarers without expressing condolences.

Marco Rubio's response to deaths of Indian sailors sparks backlash, opposition targets Modi's silence

Prominent historian Ramachandra Guha's column on Rahul Gandhi has created a stir in the intellectual community in New Delhi. He questioned the credibility of Rahul Gandhi to lead the decade-old party of India and his credentials to lead the country in scenarios like the West Asia war and oil crisis. This is significant because Guha, widely regarded as a Gandhian in his intellectual DNA and who spent years critiquing Hindu Nationalism, argues that the Gandhi family is helping Narendra Modi consolidate power. Guha argues that Congress, which held government in fourteen states in 2013, has now been reduced to merely 5 in 2026, and three successive general election defeats pile on the dismal performance of Rahul Gandhi as the leading face of the party. The BJP gleefully amplified the opinion, Shashi Tharoor pushed back with a comparison to Barack Obama, who also lacked any administrative experience prior to holding the most important office of the United States.<h2>Is the Gandhi family an asset or a liability?</h2>While Guha considers Rahul Gandhi to be an amiable personality. He claims that the Congress party has been plagued by utter hubris. He argued that while Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra was a genuine political achievement, it rebuilt his credibility and humanised him, demonstrating an ability to connect with ordinary Indians, which he had earlier failed to galvanise. The significant improvement in Congress tally from 52 to 99 seats showed there was momentum. Then came the fielding of Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad, which reversed the perception that the Congress party was larger than a family enterprise. The moment it was coming out of the dynastic label, Rahul won both Wayanad and Rae Bareli in the 2024 elections and vacated the safer Wayanad seat and gifted it to his sibling. Priyanka entered parliament for the first time, winning Wayanad.&nbsp;But this is not merely about one constituency decision. Leaders like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Himanta Biswa Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Azad, people who could have held power centres regionally, became chief ministers, cultivated a new generation of leaders, were either sidelined or left disenchanted by the ceiling of the Gandhi family. In Congress, loyalty becomes the primary currency, beyond competence and ambition, which can be threatening to the elites. The G-23 letter by the rebel group in 2020, featuring leaders like Gulam Nabi Azad, Kapil Sibal, Shahshi Tharoor, Raj Babbar, and Bupinder Singh Hooda, sheds light on the inner turmoil and demand for structural reform. Many of whom have either been sidelined or defected to BJP. It shows the lack of internal democracy; further, Rahul Gandhi's relationship with power makes it a paradoxical situation. He denies the accountability of becoming a President, but effectively has final say on every decision, thus creating a power vacuum where there is authority without accountability.&nbsp;<h2>Where Guha gets it wrong?</h2>Guha gets the whole argument one-sided; he fails to acknowledge that the Congress party is not functional in isolation. It is a microsystem that exists within a broader, political and institutional framework of India. Which Tharoor aptly points out. Even if the Obama comparison does not fit the analogy, the premise is widely accurate. Rahul Gandhi is not fighting on a level playing field. We have seen the largest erosion of democratic institutions in India, from the ED, CBI, Election Commission, to the media. Every institution has become an organ of the ruling party's organism, adding to that the huge corporate financing that funnels to the ruling party. &nbsp;Evaluating Gandhi and Congress's dismal performance without considering the uneven playing field will be like a race between a disabled person and an able-bodied athlete. Further, the increase in Congress's vote share in the 2024 election complicates Guha's narrative. While ninety-nine seats are not a remarkable achievement, it shows an uptick in Congress's vote share.Guha's narrative shares two contrarian ideas: the Gandhi family is so strong that it is not allowing a meaningful alternative to the ruling BJP, while it is utterly politically ineffective. This is a passionate argument for a supposed utopia when a reformed, democratised, reinvigorated Congress will exist independent of Gandhi. But Congress is not a single party in an organisational sense, it's a coalition of hundreds of regional caste groups, local strongmen, interest groups and local networks who share a legacy loyalty to the Gandhi surname. A version of Congress did not historically exist where there was no Gandhi, and it may never exist. This is perhaps the legacy of the institutional wreckage of Indira Gandhi's centralisation of power, where loyalty to the party meant loyalty to the Gandhis. Without Gandhi, the party could be reduced to multiple self-interest groups without any adhesive ideals and ideas. A version may painfully emerge without Gandhi, but it will be a fatal transition, till then some other party might consolidate, and the Congress might not survive.&nbsp;

Historian Ramachandra Guha's critique of Rahul Gandhi has reignited debate over whether the Gandhi family remains Congress's greatest strength or its biggest obstacle in challenging the BJP.

Prominent historian Ramachandra Guha's column on Rahul Gandhi has created a stir in the intellectual community in New Delhi. He questioned the credibility of Rahul Gandhi to lead the decade-old party of India and his credentials to lead the country in scenarios like the West Asia war and oil crisis. This is significant because Guha, widely regarded as a Gandhian in his intellectual DNA and who spent years critiquing Hindu Nationalism, argues that the Gandhi family is helping Narendra Modi consolidate power. Guha argues that Congress, which held government in fourteen states in 2013, has now been reduced to merely 5 in 2026, and three successive general election defeats pile on the dismal performance of Rahul Gandhi as the leading face of the party. The BJP gleefully amplified the opinion, Shashi Tharoor pushed back with a comparison to Barack Obama, who also lacked any administrative experience prior to holding the most important office of the United States. Is the Gandhi family an asset or a liability? While Guha considers Rahul Gandhi to be an amiable personality. He claims that the Congress party has been plagued by utter hubris. He argued that while Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra was a genuine political achievement, it rebuilt his credibility and humanised him, demonstrating an ability to connect with ordinary Indians, which he had earlier failed to galvanise. The significant improvement in Congress tally from 52 to 99 seats showed there was momentum. Then came the fielding of Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad, which reversed the perception that the Congress party was larger than a family enterprise. The moment it was coming out of the dynastic label, Rahul won both Wayanad and Rae Bareli in the 2024 elections and vacated the safer Wayanad seat and gifted it to his sibling. Priyanka entered parliament for the first time, winning Wayanad. But this is not merely about one constituency decision. Leaders like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Himanta Biswa Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Azad, people who could have held power centres regionally, became chief ministers, cultivated a new generation of leaders, were either sidelined or left disenchanted by the ceiling of the Gandhi family. In Congress, loyalty becomes the primary currency, beyond competence and ambition, which can be threatening to the elites. The G-23 letter by the rebel group in 2020, featuring leaders like Gulam Nabi Azad, Kapil Sibal, Shahshi Tharoor, Raj Babbar, and Bupinder Singh Hooda, sheds light on the inner turmoil and demand for structural reform. Many of whom have either been sidelined or defected to BJP. It shows the lack of internal democracy; further, Rahul Gandhi's relationship with power makes it a paradoxical situation. He denies the accountability of becoming a President, but effectively has final say on every decision, thus creating a power vacuum where there is authority without accountability. Where Guha gets it wrong? Guha gets the whole argument one-sided; he fails to acknowledge that the Congress party is not functional in isolation. It is a microsystem that exists within a broader, political and institutional framework of India. Which Tharoor aptly points out. Even if the Obama comparison does not fit the analogy, the premise is widely accurate. Rahul Gandhi is not fighting on a level playing field. We have seen the largest erosion of democratic institutions in India, from the ED, CBI, Election Commission, to the media. Every institution has become an organ of the ruling party's organism, adding to that the huge corporate financing that funnels to the ruling party. Evaluating Gandhi and Congress's dismal performance without considering the uneven playing field will be like a race between a disabled person and an able-bodied athlete. Further, the increase in Congress's vote share in the 2024 election complicates Guha's narrative. While ninety-nine seats are not a remarkable achievement, it shows an uptick in Congress's vote share. Guha's narrative shares two contrarian ideas: the Gandhi family is so strong that it is not allowing a meaningful alternative to the ruling BJP, while it is utterly politically ineffective. This is a passionate argument for a supposed utopia when a reformed, democratised, reinvigorated Congress will exist independent of Gandhi. But Congress is not a single party in an organisational sense, it's a coalition of hundreds of regional caste groups, local strongmen, interest groups and local networks who share a legacy loyalty to the Gandhi surname. A version of Congress did not historically exist where there was no Gandhi, and it may never exist. This is perhaps the legacy of the institutional wreckage of Indira Gandhi's centralisation of power, where loyalty to the party meant loyalty to the Gandhis. Without Gandhi, the party could be reduced to multiple self-interest groups without any adhesive ideals and ideas. A version may painfully emerge without Gandhi, but it will be a fatal transition, till then some other party might consolidate, and the Congress might not survive.

Historian Ramachandra Guha's critique of Rahul Gandhi has reignited debate over whether the Gandhi family remains Congress's greatest strength or its biggest obstacle in challenging the BJP.

Is the Gandhi family holding Congress together or holding it back?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday slammed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his statement that India was heading towards an “economic tsunami”, and an atmosphere of internal rebellion is building in the country under which the Centre "could impose an Emergency to suppress people's anger".&nbsp;BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Congress leader of engaging in “fear mongering” with his statements.&nbsp;Taking to X he questioned Gandhi, &nbsp;"Why is the economy continuing to show resilience despite elevated crude prices, conflict in West Asia, supply-chain disruptions, global financial tightening and persistent geopolitical uncertainty?"&nbsp;"The reality is exactly the opposite. India is facing an external shock, but India is not defenceless. The shock absorbers have not been removed. They have been built over the last decade," he further wrote.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isi-using-ogws-to-penetrate-mainstream-politics-in-j-k-security-agencies-warn-1780571773109">ISI using OGWs to penetrate mainstream politics in J&amp;K, security agencies warn</a>&nbsp;Malviya cited several economic indicators to counter Rahul's claims.&nbsp;"Between 2011 and 2013, the rupee plunged by 36%. Forex reserves declined from around $294 billion in July 2011 to approximately $256 billion in August 2013," he pointed out. "Inflation averaged 8.2% during FY04-FY14 and remained in double digits for much of FY10-FY14,' Malviya wrote.&nbsp;Further urging Rahul Gandhi to "stop selling panic," he wrote, "India is facing global headwinds, but it is facing them with stronger reserves, lower inflation, better infrastructure spending, stronger domestic demand, record FDI inflows, substantial food buffers and targeted support for MSMEs and industry."<h2>What Rahul said inviting backlash from BJP</h2>&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, while addressing an event of the Congress' Tribal wing at the Congress headquarters on Wednesday said, "A massive economic tsunami is coming, prices are rising and this is just the beginning. India will witness an economic crisis you have never seen before. This is happening, and no one can stop this."&nbsp;He also claimed that the government "could impose an Emergency to suppress people's anger".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Urging Rahul Gandhi to stop selling panic, BJP leader Amit Malviya he wrote, India is facing global headwinds, but it is facing them with stronger reserves, lower inflation, better infrastructure spending, stronger domestic demand and record FDI inflows.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday slammed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his statement that India was heading towards an “economic tsunami”, and an atmosphere of internal rebellion is building in the country under which the Centre "could impose an Emergency to suppress people's anger". BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Congress leader of engaging in “fear mongering” with his statements. Taking to X he questioned Gandhi, "Why is the economy continuing to show resilience despite elevated crude prices, conflict in West Asia, supply-chain disruptions, global financial tightening and persistent geopolitical uncertainty?" "The reality is exactly the opposite. India is facing an external shock, but India is not defenceless. The shock absorbers have not been removed. They have been built over the last decade," he further wrote. ALSO READ: ISI using OGWs to penetrate mainstream politics in J&K, security agencies warn Malviya cited several economic indicators to counter Rahul's claims. "Between 2011 and 2013, the rupee plunged by 36%. Forex reserves declined from around $294 billion in July 2011 to approximately $256 billion in August 2013," he pointed out. "Inflation averaged 8.2% during FY04-FY14 and remained in double digits for much of FY10-FY14,' Malviya wrote. Further urging Rahul Gandhi to "stop selling panic," he wrote, "India is facing global headwinds, but it is facing them with stronger reserves, lower inflation, better infrastructure spending, stronger domestic demand, record FDI inflows, substantial food buffers and targeted support for MSMEs and industry." What Rahul said inviting backlash from BJP Rahul Gandhi, while addressing an event of the Congress' Tribal wing at the Congress headquarters on Wednesday said, "A massive economic tsunami is coming, prices are rising and this is just the beginning. India will witness an economic crisis you have never seen before. This is happening, and no one can stop this." He also claimed that the government "could impose an Emergency to suppress people's anger".

Urging Rahul Gandhi to "stop selling panic," BJP leader Amit Malviya he wrote, “India is facing global headwinds, but it is facing them with stronger reserves, lower inflation, better infrastructure spending, stronger domestic demand and record FDI inflows.”

'Classic fear-mongering': BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi's 'economic tsunami' statement

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (Jun 3) alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might impose a national emergency in India in 2027. The Congress leader, while addressing tribal leaders at an event organised by the Adivasi Congress, issued an ominous warning to Indians, claiming that a "terrible economic tsunami" was approaching. He said that "no one can stop" it after the ruling BJP removed "India's shock absorbers" against the volatilities of the international economy.<h2>Modi to impose emergency in 2027?</h2>Rahul Gandhi aka RaGa claimed that the system "once controlled" by Modi was "collapsing" and that as public pressure increases, it will become risky for the ruling government. “Within India, there is an institutional revolt taking place inside the system. You think that the Election Commission is fully controlled…Messages from the Chief Election Commissioner are reaching me...The heads of the intelligence system, members of the senior judiciary, all of them are revolting. They are giving us information,” he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malviya-nagar-hotel-fire-dead-couple-found-locked-in-final-embrace-waiting-for-rescue-that-never-came-1780538165947">Malviya Nagar hotel fire: Dead couple found locked in final embrace, waiting for rescue that never came</a>Gandhi further claimed that the entire system was shaking from within and suggested that by next year, the Modi government "may try to suppress public pressure and impose something like an Emergency. That is possible".“He (Modi) has to feel uneasy because he knows that the system he once controlled is collapsing, and that very system is feeding information to me. This is the dynamic that is unfolding. And mark my words – in my estimation, within a year, Modi will no longer be Prime Minister," said Gandhi.Is it possible? How is an Emergency imposed in India? WION Decodes.<h2>What is an Emergency under the Constitution?</h2>The word "Emergency" carries a special significance in Indian politics. For many Indians, it immediately brings back memories of June 25, 1975, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a nationwide Emergency that lasted 21 months and remains one of the most controversial chapters in the country's democratic history.The Constitution of India gives the Union government special powers to deal with extraordinary situations that threaten the nation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupee-slide-wars-and-more-indian-students-in-us-battle-currency-crisis-no-one-prepared-them-for-wion-horizons-1780044945428">Rupee slide, wars and more: Indian students in US battle currency crisis no one prepared them for | WION Horizons</a>These powers are contained in Part XVIII of the Constitution (Articles 352 to 360), which provides for three kinds of emergencies:<h3>1. National Emergency (Article 352)</h3>This can be declared when India's security is threatened by:- War - External aggression - Armed rebellionBefore 1978, the term "internal disturbance" was used instead of "armed rebellion," making it easier for governments to invoke Emergency powers.<h3>2. President's Rule (Article 356)</h3>This is imposed when a state government cannot function according to constitutional provisions. It is often called a “State Emergency.”<h3>3. Financial Emergency (Article 360)</h3>This can be declared if India's financial stability or credit is threatened.Interestingly, India has never imposed a Financial Emergency.<h2>How is a National Emergency imposed?</h2>The process begins with the Union Cabinet recommending the proclamation to the President. The President can then proclaim an Emergency. However, the declaration must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within one month.Once approved, it remains in force for six months and can be extended repeatedly with parliamentary approval.During a National Emergency:- The Centre gains sweeping powers over states. - Certain Fundamental Rights can be restricted. - Parliament can legislate on subjects in the State List. - The federal balance shifts significantly towards the Union government.<h2>When was National Emergency imposed in India?</h2>India has witnessed three National Emergencies: 1962, 1971 and 1975. &nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could impose an Emergency-like situation within a year. Scroll down to understand what an Emergency actually is, how it can be imposed, and whether such a scenario is constitutionally possible.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (Jun 3) alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might impose a national emergency in India in 2027. The Congress leader, while addressing tribal leaders at an event organised by the Adivasi Congress, issued an ominous warning to Indians, claiming that a "terrible economic tsunami" was approaching. He said that "no one can stop" it after the ruling BJP removed "India's shock absorbers" against the volatilities of the international economy. Modi to impose emergency in 2027? Rahul Gandhi aka RaGa claimed that the system "once controlled" by Modi was "collapsing" and that as public pressure increases, it will become risky for the ruling government. “Within India, there is an institutional revolt taking place inside the system. You think that the Election Commission is fully controlled…Messages from the Chief Election Commissioner are reaching me...The heads of the intelligence system, members of the senior judiciary, all of them are revolting. They are giving us information,” he said. Also read | Malviya Nagar hotel fire: Dead couple found locked in final embrace, waiting for rescue that never came Gandhi further claimed that the entire system was shaking from within and suggested that by next year, the Modi government "may try to suppress public pressure and impose something like an Emergency. That is possible". “He (Modi) has to feel uneasy because he knows that the system he once controlled is collapsing, and that very system is feeding information to me. This is the dynamic that is unfolding. And mark my words – in my estimation, within a year, Modi will no longer be Prime Minister," said Gandhi. Is it possible? How is an Emergency imposed in India? WION Decodes. What is an Emergency under the Constitution? The word "Emergency" carries a special significance in Indian politics. For many Indians, it immediately brings back memories of June 25, 1975, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a nationwide Emergency that lasted 21 months and remains one of the most controversial chapters in the country's democratic history. The Constitution of India gives the Union government special powers to deal with extraordinary situations that threaten the nation. Also read | Rupee slide, wars and more: Indian students in US battle currency crisis no one prepared them for | WION Horizons These powers are contained in Part XVIII of the Constitution (Articles 352 to 360), which provides for three kinds of emergencies: 1. National Emergency (Article 352) This can be declared when India's security is threatened by: - War - External aggression - Armed rebellion Before 1978, the term "internal disturbance" was used instead of "armed rebellion," making it easier for governments to invoke Emergency powers. 2. President's Rule (Article 356) This is imposed when a state government cannot function according to constitutional provisions. It is often called a “State Emergency.” 3. Financial Emergency (Article 360) This can be declared if India's financial stability or credit is threatened. Interestingly, India has never imposed a Financial Emergency. How is a National Emergency imposed? The process begins with the Union Cabinet recommending the proclamation to the President. The President can then proclaim an Emergency. However, the declaration must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within one month. Once approved, it remains in force for six months and can be extended repeatedly with parliamentary approval. During a National Emergency: - The Centre gains sweeping powers over states. - Certain Fundamental Rights can be restricted. - Parliament can legislate on subjects in the State List. - The federal balance shifts significantly towards the Union government. When was National Emergency imposed in India? India has witnessed three National Emergencies: 1962, 1971 and 1975.

Rahul Gandhi has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could impose an Emergency-like situation within a year. Scroll down to understand what an Emergency actually is, how it can be imposed, and whether such a scenario is constitutionally possible.

Will Modi impose a National Emergency in 2027? Rahul Gandhi claims 'system PM once controlled is collapsing' | WION Decodes

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (May 31) accused the Centre of ignoring concerns raised by CBSE Class 12 students over alleged irregularities in the evaluation process and branding those seeking answers as "Soros agents" and "anti-nationals".&nbsp;Gandhi shared a video on X showing his interaction with a group of CBSE Class 12 students who claimed they had found discrepancies in their answer sheets during the re-evaluation process.&nbsp;In the post, Gandhi expressed support for the students and criticised the response they received after questioning their results.&nbsp;"A revealing chat with my fellow 'anti-national Soros agents.” Vedant and his friends are brilliant, brave young Indians who asked CBSE and the Modi government simple questions, but got insults instead of answers," read his tweet. “They deserve a bright and secure future. We will make sure they get it.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A revealing chat with my fellow “anti-national Soros agents.” Vedant and his friends are brilliant, brave young Indians who asked CBSE and the Modi government simple questions - but got insults instead of answers. They deserve a bright and secure future. We will make sure they… <a href="https://t.co/5InBxgJv1B">pic.twitter.com/5InBxgJv1B</a>&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2060978887111405899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

During the interaction, the students alleged that they discovered irregularities after obtaining photocopies of their answer sheets. They claimed that some answer sheets contained handwriting that did not match their own, while certain answers appeared to have been left unevaluated.&nbsp;Vedant, one of the students, said he faced online abuse and was labelled an "anti-national" and a "Soros agent" after publicly raising concerns about his marks.&nbsp;"The cover of the sheet was mine; I could identify my handwriting, but the pages inside had something completely else. It was not my handwriting in any case," said Vedant.&nbsp;The students said they repeatedly approached CBSE and government authorities seeking clarification, but did not receive satisfactory responses.&nbsp;"We brought this issue to X because we felt something was wrong. When there was a public uproar, to suppress us, they termed us 'deep state agents' who are trying to create unrest," Vedant added.&nbsp;Responding to the students, Gandhi described them as "brilliant and brave" and questioned why they were being targeted for seeking answers.&nbsp;"You are just students, you have nothing to do with anything. You are just asking for your answer sheets. Now, suddenly, you have become anti-nationals," said Gandhi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-killed-several-injured-after-pg-building-collapse-near-delhi-s-saket-metro-station-1780222244816">Five killed, several injured after PG building collapse near Delhi's Saket Metro Station</a>&nbsp;He further said, "Government is refusing to accept the problem and is just blaming the kids."&nbsp;Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid the controversy surrounding the alleged CBSE evaluation irregularities.&nbsp;In a post on X, Kharge alleged that students raising concerns were being branded as "Deep State Agents" and "Pakistanis" instead of being heard.&nbsp;"They set out to create 'Exam Warriors', but instead branded them as 'Deep State Agents' and 'Pakistanis'. Whether it is 17-year-old CBSE candidates or NEET aspirants, the Modi government has trapped the nation's youth in the web of its corruption, conspiring to dismantle the country's education system," said Kharge.

Gandhi posted a video on X of his interaction with a group of CBSE Class 12 students who alleged irregularities in their answer sheets after seeking re-evaluation.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (May 31) accused the Centre of ignoring concerns raised by CBSE Class 12 students over alleged irregularities in the evaluation process and branding those seeking answers as "Soros agents" and "anti-nationals". Gandhi shared a video on X showing his interaction with a group of CBSE Class 12 students who claimed they had found discrepancies in their answer sheets during the re-evaluation process. In the post, Gandhi expressed support for the students and criticised the response they received after questioning their results. "A revealing chat with my fellow 'anti-national Soros agents.” Vedant and his friends are brilliant, brave young Indians who asked CBSE and the Modi government simple questions, but got insults instead of answers," read his tweet. “They deserve a bright and secure future. We will make sure they get it.”

Gandhi posted a video on X of his interaction with a group of CBSE Class 12 students who alleged irregularities in their answer sheets after seeking re-evaluation.

'Chat with fellow Soros agents': Rahul Gandhi says students were labelled 'anti-nationals' for seeking answers in CBSE OSM row

Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday (May 28) took full responsibility for the discrepancies related to CBSE marking issues and the On-Screen Marking (OSM) evaluation process. Talking to the press, he assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found intentionally causing irregularities that are affecting students. Amid uproar from students and opposition, the Union Education Minister also slammed Rahul Gandhi for alleging "massive tampering" in CBSE class 12th results and questioned the Leader of Opposition's "mental state".<h2>Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan takes responsibility for CBSE marking errors</h2>Pradhan chaired a meeting with CBSE officials at the CBSE headquarters to address technical and payment-related issues faced by students during the re-evaluation and verification processes. Talking to the press afterwards, he said that the board was working to address all concerns raised by the students regarding the evaluation and re-evaluation of class 12 examinations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-my-mcqs-are-correct-cbse-student-s-viral-video-adds-fuel-to-12th-class-answer-sheet-controversy-1779877775002">‘All my MCQs are correct’: CBSE student’s viral video adds fuel to 12th class answer sheet controversy</a>He noted that this was the first time the OSM evaluation was used. Describing it as a "student-centric" process, and a globally accepted system aimed at transparency. "This was the first time CBSE used it, and some discrepancies have come to light. I take responsibility for this and assure you that a solution will be found. We are working on it. We will not leave any student's query unaddressed," he said.The Education Minister also revealed that tech experts from IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras had been roped in to assist the CBSE's technical team in reviewing the software and resolving issues."We take responsibility for any issues students face and apologise for them. I assure you that anyone found intentionally responsible for these discrepancies, regardless of their position within or outside CBSE, will not be spared," Pradhan said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-2026-paper-controversy-cbi-identifies-actual-source-of-chemistry-biology-and-physics-questions-leak-2-more-arrested-1779864263841">NEET-UG 2026 paper controversy: CBI identifies 'actual source' of questions leak</a><h2>On Rahul Gandhi</h2>Urging the political parties to avoid politicising the issue, Pradhan took special note of LOP Rahul Gandhi's allegations of "massive tampering". He insisted that the CBSE has already responded and that the procurement was done in line with GOI's policies. "I repeat, if any irregularities are found, no one will be spared."Slamming RaGa, Pradhan said, "he seems to be in a different mental state due to repeated election losses." The BJP minister noted that Gandhi has "opposed Rafale, EVMs, and Digital India," and alleged, “He seems to be against India's scientific progress.”

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has publicly taken responsibility for the CBSE marking controversy after viral student videos and complaints triggered nationwide outrage over Class 12 evaluation errors. 

But how did Rahul Gandhi get dragged into the row? Scroll down to read.

Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday (May 28) took full responsibility for the discrepancies related to CBSE marking issues and the On-Screen Marking (OSM) evaluation process. Talking to the press, he assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found intentionally causing irregularities that are affecting students. Amid uproar from students and opposition, the Union Education Minister also slammed Rahul Gandhi for alleging "massive tampering" in CBSE class 12th results and questioned the Leader of Opposition's "mental state". Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan takes responsibility for CBSE marking errors Pradhan chaired a meeting with CBSE officials at the CBSE headquarters to address technical and payment-related issues faced by students during the re-evaluation and verification processes. Talking to the press afterwards, he said that the board was working to address all concerns raised by the students regarding the evaluation and re-evaluation of class 12 examinations. Also read | ‘All my MCQs are correct’: CBSE student’s viral video adds fuel to 12th class answer sheet controversy He noted that this was the first time the OSM evaluation was used. Describing it as a "student-centric" process, and a globally accepted system aimed at transparency. "This was the first time CBSE used it, and some discrepancies have come to light. I take responsibility for this and assure you that a solution will be found. We are working on it. We will not leave any student's query unaddressed," he said. The Education Minister also revealed that tech experts from IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras had been roped in to assist the CBSE's technical team in reviewing the software and resolving issues. "We take responsibility for any issues students face and apologise for them. I assure you that anyone found intentionally responsible for these discrepancies, regardless of their position within or outside CBSE, will not be spared," Pradhan said. Also read | NEET-UG 2026 paper controversy: CBI identifies 'actual source' of questions leak On Rahul Gandhi Urging the political parties to avoid politicising the issue, Pradhan took special note of LOP Rahul Gandhi's allegations of "massive tampering". He insisted that the CBSE has already responded and that the procurement was done in line with GOI's policies. "I repeat, if any irregularities are found, no one will be spared." Slamming RaGa, Pradhan said, "he seems to be in a different mental state due to repeated election losses." The BJP minister noted that Gandhi has "opposed Rafale, EVMs, and Digital India," and alleged, “He seems to be against India's scientific progress.”

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has publicly taken responsibility for the CBSE marking controversy after viral student videos and complaints triggered nationwide outrage over Class 12 evaluation errors.&nbsp;But how did Rahul Gandhi get dragged into the row? Scroll down to read.

'Repeated election losses...': Dharmendra Pradhan slams RaGa for 'massive tampering' allegations; takes responsibility for CBSE OSM discrepancies

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday (May 25) accused the Modi government of ignoring complaints raised by students over alleged discrepancies in the CBSE board examination evaluation process and targeting those demanding accountability.&nbsp;The Congress leader claimed that several students had flagged issues related to answer sheet evaluation, but their concerns were allegedly not addressed by the authorities, adding that a student who sought correction in his evaluated answer sheet was abused online and branded “anti-national” by supporters of the ruling party.&nbsp;In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “The Modi-Shah duo has turned yet another institution into a symbol of rigging. For the first time in decades, such serious questions have been raised about the CBSE board exams. 18.5 lakh children took the exam--and for a week now, complaints of OSM, wrong marking, and evaluation glitches have gone unheard, while the Education Minister clings to his chair. A 17-year-old boy, whose answer sheet was wrongly evaluated, turned to social media in hope of justice.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">मोदी-प्रधान की जोड़ी ने एक और संस्था को धांधली का प्रतीक बना दिया। दशकों में पहली बार CBSE बोर्ड परीक्षा पर इतने गंभीर सवाल उठे हैं। 18.5 लाख बच्चों ने परीक्षा दी - और एक हफ़्ते से OSM, ग़लत मार्किंग और जाँच की गड़बड़ी की शिकायतें अनसुनी पड़ी हैं और शिक्षा मंत्री अपनी कुर्सी से…&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/2058859005414699192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“But instead of help, he got abuse--BJP's IT cell branded him an "Anti-National," called him a "Soros agent," a part of the "Deep State."A 17-year-old boy raises his voice for his future, and the BJP turns him into a traitor. The truth is--Modi government fears the youth and Gen Z, because they are now asking questions. And anyone who asks questions, this government defames, intimidates, and crushes. But listen up, Mr Modi--this very youth, this Gen-Z, will shatter your arrogance,” the post read.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirmala-sitharaman-flags-3fs-as-key-challenge-after-pm-modi-s-austerity-appeal-amid-west-asia-crisis-1779708878146">Nirmala Sitharaman flags ‘3Fs’ as key challenge after PM Modi’s austerity appeal amid West Asia crisis</a><h2>CBSE extends deadline amid backlash over evaluation process</h2>The remarks came amid criticism and anxiety among students over the newly introduced OSM (On-Screen Marking) digital evaluation system implemented by the Central Board of Secondary Education.&nbsp;Data from previous years showed that the Class 12 pass percentage had consistently increased over the last few years. In 2023, 14,50,174 students cleared the examination out of 16,60,511 candidates, recording a pass percentage of 87.33. The figure rose to 87.98 per cent in 2024 and further increased to 88.39 per cent in 2025.&nbsp;However, in 2026, the overall pass percentage declined sharply to 85.20 per cent, coinciding with the introduction of the OSM evaluation system.&nbsp;Following widespread complaints on social media regarding the digital evaluation process, CBSE on Sunday announced that students who were incorrectly charged extra fees while applying for scanned copies of answer sheets during the post-result process would receive refunds.&nbsp;Amid continued concerns from students and parents, CBSE also extended the deadline for applying for scanned photocopies of evaluated answer books till midnight of May 25, 2026.

The Congress leader alleged that students’ complaints over answer sheet evaluation were ignored, while a student seeking correction was abused online and labelled “anti-national” by BJP supporters.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday (May 25) accused the Modi government of ignoring complaints raised by students over alleged discrepancies in the CBSE board examination evaluation process and targeting those demanding accountability. The Congress leader claimed that several students had flagged issues related to answer sheet evaluation, but their concerns were allegedly not addressed by the authorities, adding that a student who sought correction in his evaluated answer sheet was abused online and branded “anti-national” by supporters of the ruling party. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “The Modi-Shah duo has turned yet another institution into a symbol of rigging. For the first time in decades, such serious questions have been raised about the CBSE board exams. 18.5 lakh children took the exam--and for a week now, complaints of OSM, wrong marking, and evaluation glitches have gone unheard, while the Education Minister clings to his chair. A 17-year-old boy, whose answer sheet was wrongly evaluated, turned to social media in hope of justice.”

The Congress leader alleged that students’ complaints over answer sheet evaluation were ignored, while a student seeking correction was abused online and labelled “anti-national” by BJP supporters.

'Modi govt fears youth, Gen Z': Rahul Gandhi slams Centre over CBSE OSM controversy

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi created a stir on Wednesday by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) “traitors” and accusing them of attacking the Constitution and “selling” the country to a handful of industrialists.Addressing Congress workers in his Lok Sabha constituency Rae Bareli on Wednesday, Gandhi said, “When you go back home, when these RSS workers come to you, they will talk about Narendra Modi, they will talk about Amit Shah. You look them in the face and say, ‘Your Prime Minister is a traitor, your home minister is a traitor, your organisation is a traitor. You have worked to sell out India. You have attacked our organisation, our Constitution, BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi.’ Tell them this.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Raebareli, UP: LoP in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, &quot;When these RSS workers come before you, they will speak of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, then you must say to their faces that your Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the organisation (BJP) is… <a href="https://t.co/ulNOvN5Ilo">pic.twitter.com/ulNOvN5Ilo</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2057013095529419166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistani-officer-claims-to-have-successfully-hit-2-non-existent-airbases-in-india-with-fatah-1-missile-1779221782711">Pakistani officer claims to have hit 2 non-existent airbases in India with Fatah-1 missile</a>&nbsp;Holding up a copy of the Constitution while addressing the Bahujan Swabhiman Sammelan in Amethi, Rahul repeatedly invoked BR Ambedkar, freedom fighter Veera Pasi, Mahatma Gandhi, Guru Nanak, Kabir and Narayan Guru, and said that the Constitution embodies the collective voice and ideology of social justice icons across the country.&nbsp;“Narendra Modi ne Hindustan ka pura ka pura dhan aapki jeb se nikal liya. Hindustan ka arthik system Adani aur Ambani ko pakda diya hai (Narendra Modi has taken away the country’s wealth from your pockets. He has handed over India’s economic system to Adani and Ambani,” Gandhi alleged.&nbsp;<h2>‘Economic storm coming, could trigger unprecedented inflation and shortages’</h2>&nbsp;Reiterating his claim that an “economic storm is coming” and that “the government will not be able to save you”, the Congress MP claimed the PM would try to evade responsibility by crying before the public just like he did during the Covid-19 pandemic and demonetisation.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Rahul had claimed in Rae Bareli that the Iran vs US-Israel conflict and the situation around the Strait of Hormuz could trigger an unprecedented rise in fuel prices, inflation and shortages.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-drawing-up-plans-to-counter-high-intensity-us-strikes-if-war-resumes-1779215850724">Iran drawing up plans to counter high-intensity US strikes if war resumes</a>&nbsp;He also accused the PM of hypocrisy over economic issues. “The Prime Minister tells people not to buy gold and not to travel abroad, but then himself travels abroad in aircraft worth thousands of crores,” Gandhi said.&nbsp;He added, “Such inflation is coming that you would never have seen in your lifetime. An economic storm is coming and the government will not be able to save you.”“The Constitution said there should be a public sector, reservation and justice in the judiciary. Narendra Modi and the RSS have destroyed it,” alleged Rahul.&nbsp;<h2>‘Anarchic mindset, language of enemy nation’: BJP</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;The BJP lashed out at Rahul Gandhi and said his words reflect his anarchic mindset and character. BJP president Nitin Nabin said Gandhi’s remarks were an insult to the 140 crore people of the country and demanded an apology from him. “The kind of statement he gave clearly reflects his anarchic mindset and character. The remarks also reflect his frustration and disappointment with his party facing defeats in elections,” he said.“The man who has put a curb on terror incidents, ended Naxalism, enhanced the tiranga’s (Tricolour) respect, for such a person you will use such kinds of words?” Nabin asked.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-iranian-exchange-houses-front-companies-and-shadow-fleet-vessels-1779206969619">US imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian exchange houses, front companies and shadow fleet vessels</a>&nbsp;BJP leaders said Rahul’s language mirrors that of Pakistan and terrorists supported by the country and proves that he wants to fight the Indian state.“Rahul Gandhi's language has become like that of an enemy nation. Rahul Gandhi speaks in a way that only an adversarial country would speak. Rahul Gandhi wants unrest in the country, but he should not forget that the people of this country and the youth stand with PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah,” said Union Minister Giriraj Singh.&nbsp;The Congress party is holding Bahujan Swabhiman Sammelan as part of its attempt to bolster its politics around social justice and Constitution, particularly among Dalit, backward caste and marginalised communities, ahead of the 2027 UP Assembly elections.

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said in Rae Bareli that the Iran vs US-Israel conflict and the situation around the Strait of Hormuz could trigger an unprecedented rise in fuel prices, inflation and shortages. He also accused the PM of hypocrisy.

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi created a stir on Wednesday by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) “traitors” and accusing them of attacking the Constitution and “selling” the country to a handful of industrialists. Addressing Congress workers in his Lok Sabha constituency Rae Bareli on Wednesday, Gandhi said, “When you go back home, when these RSS workers come to you, they will talk about Narendra Modi, they will talk about Amit Shah. You look them in the face and say, ‘Your Prime Minister is a traitor, your home minister is a traitor, your organisation is a traitor. You have worked to sell out India. You have attacked our organisation, our Constitution, BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi.’ Tell them this.”

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said in Rae Bareli that the Iran vs US-Israel conflict and the situation around the Strait of Hormuz could trigger an unprecedented rise in fuel prices, inflation and shortages. He also accused the PM of hypocrisy.

Modi, Amit Shah traitors, sold country to industrialists, says Rahul Gandhi; BJP slams ‘language of enemy nation’

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (May 17) questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” over the alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026 and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress MP compared the government’s handling of the NEET 2024 and NEET 2026 controversies, alleging that the same pattern of leaks, investigations and committee formations was being repeated.&nbsp;“NEET 2024: Paper leaked. Exam not cancelled. The minister did not resign. CBI set up an investigation. A committee was formed. NEET 2026: Paper leaked. Exam cancelled. Minister still did not resign. CBI is investigating again. Another committee will be formed. Mr Modi, the country is asking you some questions - answer them! Why are paper leaks happening repeatedly? Why are you silent time and again on this "exam paper discussion"? Why aren't you dismissing the Education Minister who keeps failing repeatedly?,” Gandhi said on X.<h2>NEET-UG controversy deepens after paper leak allegations</h2>The remarks come amid mounting controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination following allegations of a paper leak and the subsequent cancellation of the exam.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday produced accused Manisha Gurunath Mandhare before the Rouse Avenue Court and sought 14 days’ custody for further investigation.&nbsp;Mandhare is part of the National Testing Agency panel and served as an expert and translator during the examination process. The CBI informed the court that the entire process followed by the NTA was under investigation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-appoints-ghalibaf-to-oversee-ties-with-china-what-it-could-mean-for-the-us-1779008050616">'Future belongs to Global South': Iran appoints Ghalibaf to oversee ties with China - What it could mean for the US</a><h2>Rahul Gandhi raises concern over student suicides</h2>Rahul Gandhi had also questioned the Centre on Friday over the rising number of suicides linked to the NEET paper leak controversy. Referring to the death of a 21-year-old student in Uttar Pradesh who allegedly died by suicide after the exam cancellation, he said, “These youngsters didn’t lose to the exams; they were killed by a corrupt system. This isn’t suicide — it’s murder by the system.”&nbsp;The Karnataka Youth Congress will organise a “Raj Bhavan Chalo” protest march in Bengaluru on May 21 over the issue, with several senior Congress leaders expected to participate.&nbsp;The re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21. As a corrective measure, Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that NEET-UG will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year.

The NEET 2026 exam was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak, and the re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (May 17) questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” over the alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026 and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress MP compared the government’s handling of the NEET 2024 and NEET 2026 controversies, alleging that the same pattern of leaks, investigations and committee formations was being repeated. “NEET 2024: Paper leaked. Exam not cancelled. The minister did not resign. CBI set up an investigation. A committee was formed. NEET 2026: Paper leaked. Exam cancelled. Minister still did not resign. CBI is investigating again. Another committee will be formed. Mr Modi, the country is asking you some questions - answer them! Why are paper leaks happening repeatedly? Why are you silent time and again on this "exam paper discussion"? Why aren't you dismissing the Education Minister who keeps failing repeatedly?,” Gandhi said on X. NEET-UG controversy deepens after paper leak allegations The remarks come amid mounting controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination following allegations of a paper leak and the subsequent cancellation of the exam. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday produced accused Manisha Gurunath Mandhare before the Rouse Avenue Court and sought 14 days’ custody for further investigation. Mandhare is part of the National Testing Agency panel and served as an expert and translator during the examination process. The CBI informed the court that the entire process followed by the NTA was under investigation. Also Read: 'Future belongs to Global South': Iran appoints Ghalibaf to oversee ties with China - What it could mean for the US Rahul Gandhi raises concern over student suicides Rahul Gandhi had also questioned the Centre on Friday over the rising number of suicides linked to the NEET paper leak controversy. Referring to the death of a 21-year-old student in Uttar Pradesh who allegedly died by suicide after the exam cancellation, he said, “These youngsters didn’t lose to the exams; they were killed by a corrupt system. This isn’t suicide — it’s murder by the system.” The Karnataka Youth Congress will organise a “Raj Bhavan Chalo” protest march in Bengaluru on May 21 over the issue, with several senior Congress leaders expected to participate. The re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21. As a corrective measure, Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that NEET-UG will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year.

The NEET 2026 exam was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak, and the re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.

'Why are you silent?': Rahul Gandhi questions PM Modi, demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over NEET-UG row

Amid a Gulf crisis, PM Modi urged citizens to adopt austerity measures, including working from home, use of EVs and avoiding gold or foreign travel to save foreign exchange. Rahul Gandhi criticised the appeal, calling it proof of government failure.

Amid a West Asia crisis, PM Modi urged citizens to adopt austerity measures, including working from home, use of EVs and avoiding gold or foreign travel to save foreign exchange. Rahul Gandhi criticised the appeal, calling it proof of government failure.

Rahul Gandhi calls Modi's 9 appeals 'proof of failure’: Here’s complete list of what PM said

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on April 17, 2026, during the intense debate around the Women's Reservation Bill, presented a cryptic riddle around the number 16. He did not explicitly provide an answer to the riddle, sparking fresh political curiosity. Rahul Gandhi said that the number had serious significance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He invited every MP and everyone in the country to solve the riddle, "the answer to your problems, and you're going to find out very soon, is in the number sixteen."&nbsp;Gandhi said that Modi was out of energy, “I was sitting here and watching. He had low energy. He was not able to engage,” he continued in a confrontational demeanour, “I suddenly noticed that yesterday was the 16th of April… That's the number, 16. The whole answer to the riddle is in the number 16. Everything is in the number 16.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-chanakya-remark-amit-shah-delimitation-women-reservation-bill-1776418929359">Priyanka Gandhi targets Amit Shah, says 'Chanakya would be shocked' over delimitation strategy</a><h2>What is behind the cryptic riddle of 16?</h2>The reference to number 16 has sparked some controversy. There could be multiple interpretations of the number sixteen. Congress's social media account dropped a hint: "Sixteen sounds a lot like Epstein, doesn't it?"During the debate on the Women's Reservation Bill, Gandhi made a veiled reference to “wife”, suggesting that everyone had women in their life who had a significant impact, in the shape of mother, sister and even wife. Then he added that the Prime Minister and Rahul Gandhi "don't have that wife issue." &nbsp;Ironically, the estranged wife of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jashodaben Modi, was 16 years old when they married.&nbsp;Then there is Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP's 16 MPs from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, along with Nitish's 12 MPs from JDU, holding the balance of power.Then comes the Epstein connection, many of Epstein's victims were 16, including Virginia Giuffre, who was 16 when trafficked, the billionaire Anil Ambani, who sent messages to Epstein on March 16, 2017, seeking help for Indian leadership to connect with senior figures in Trump's circle, then Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic, first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel from July 4-6, 2017. In 2026, during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, &nbsp;India and Israel signed 16 MOUs, just ahead of the US-Israeli war on Iran.Rahul Gandhi, on several occasions, made remarks implying that PM Modi is compromised and that foreign policy is compromised. This cryptic number 16 could be a multi-layered reference to Modi's morality, power circle connecting, Ambani, Epstein and Israel.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">क्या है राहुल गांधी की ​16 की पहेली???? वे बोल रहे थे कि नरेंद्र मोदी क्यों दबाव में हैं। भाजपा वाले बोलने नहीं दे रहे थे। उन्होंने कहा कि &quot;कल प्रधानमंत्री बुझे बुझे बोल रहे थे, मैं सुन रहा था। ​अचानक मैंने ध्यान दिया कि आज 16 अप्रैल है। My God, how crazy! The number:… <a href="https://t.co/oRDCLU2q8p">pic.twitter.com/oRDCLU2q8p</a>&mdash; Krishna Kant (@kkjourno) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkjourno/status/2045089196126462104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to a cryptic “number 16” during the Lok Sabha debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill, prompting political reactions and multiple interpretations across parties and social media.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on April 17, 2026, during the intense debate around the Women's Reservation Bill, presented a cryptic riddle around the number 16. He did not explicitly provide an answer to the riddle, sparking fresh political curiosity. Rahul Gandhi said that the number had serious significance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He invited every MP and everyone in the country to solve the riddle, "the answer to your problems, and you're going to find out very soon, is in the number sixteen." Gandhi said that Modi was out of energy, “I was sitting here and watching. He had low energy. He was not able to engage,” he continued in a confrontational demeanour, “I suddenly noticed that yesterday was the 16th of April… That's the number, 16. The whole answer to the riddle is in the number 16. Everything is in the number 16.” Also Read: Priyanka Gandhi targets Amit Shah, says 'Chanakya would be shocked' over delimitation strategy What is behind the cryptic riddle of 16? The reference to number 16 has sparked some controversy. There could be multiple interpretations of the number sixteen. Congress's social media account dropped a hint: "Sixteen sounds a lot like Epstein, doesn't it?" During the debate on the Women's Reservation Bill, Gandhi made a veiled reference to “wife”, suggesting that everyone had women in their life who had a significant impact, in the shape of mother, sister and even wife. Then he added that the Prime Minister and Rahul Gandhi "don't have that wife issue." Ironically, the estranged wife of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jashodaben Modi, was 16 years old when they married. Then there is Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP's 16 MPs from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, along with Nitish's 12 MPs from JDU, holding the balance of power. Then comes the Epstein connection, many of Epstein's victims were 16, including Virginia Giuffre, who was 16 when trafficked, the billionaire Anil Ambani, who sent messages to Epstein on March 16, 2017, seeking help for Indian leadership to connect with senior figures in Trump's circle, then Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic, first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel from July 4-6, 2017. In 2026, during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, India and Israel signed 16 MOUs, just ahead of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Rahul Gandhi, on several occasions, made remarks implying that PM Modi is compromised and that foreign policy is compromised. This cryptic number 16 could be a multi-layered reference to Modi's morality, power circle connecting, Ambani, Epstein and Israel.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to a cryptic “number 16” during the Lok Sabha debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill, prompting political reactions and multiple interpretations across parties and social media.

Rahul Gandhi drops cryptic '16' clue in Parliament- What is Rahul Gandhi’s riddle?

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held an election rally in Assam’s Golaghat on Sunday, where he alleged that India cannot buy oil from any country without US President Donald Trump’s permission because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ‘compromised’. Addressing the rally, Rahul Gandhi said, “The situation now is this—India can’t even buy oil from any country without Trump’s permission. Narendra Modi has handed over India’s energy security and data into America’s hands. This is the result of Narendra Modi being compromised.”He further said that Trump says he can finish PM Modi’s career whenever he wants.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ट्रंप ने सरेआम कहा- नरेंद्र मोदी मुझे &#39;सर&#39; कहता है, मैं जब चाहूं उसका करियर खत्म कर सकता हूं। ⦿ अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति ट्रंप ऐसा इसलिए कह रहा है, क्योंकि उसके हाथ में Epstein फाइल हैं, जिसमें मोदी की पूरी सच्चाई है ⦿ ट्रंप ने अमेरिका में अडानी पर क्रिमिनल केस भी कर दिया है,… <a href="https://t.co/aumlU0YGH4">pic.twitter.com/aumlU0YGH4</a>&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/2040713695328903327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-s-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-warns-of-striking-kolkata-in-future-conflict-with-india-1775326150284">Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif warns of striking Kolkata in future conflict with India</a>&nbsp;“Trump openly said—Narendra Modi calls me ‘sir’, I can end his career whenever I want. The American President Trump is saying this because he holds the Epstein file, which contains the full truth about Modi. Trump has also filed a criminal case against Adani in America, because he knows that this is the BJP’s financial system,” the Congress leader added.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi also addressed a poll rally in Assam’s Biswanath where he launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him the ‘most corrupt and hate-spreading’ CM. He further said that the Congress party’s ‘Babbar Shers” would put Sarma in jail.“Assam has the most corrupt, hate-spreading chief minister of India. He knows the ‘Babbar Shers’ of the Congress party are going to put him in jail,” Rahul said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-its-new-air-defence-system-helped-down-us-jets-was-it-majid-verba-or-hq-9b-1775318968899">Iran says its new air defence system helped down US jets. Was it Majid, Verba or HQ-9B?</a>&nbsp;Targeting the ruling BJP, Rahul also alleged that Assam’s governance is being controlled from New Delhi. “Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi, and Narendra Modi and Amit Shah control your CM. Assam is run from Delhi.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">असम के CM हिमंता बिस्वा सरमा- नरेंद्र मोदी और अमित शाह के इशारे के बिना &#39;चूं&#39; नहीं कर सकते हैं। नरेंद्र मोदी, अमित शाह, हिमंता, अडानी... ये सभी बिजनेस पार्टनर हैं, जो मिलकर असम को लूटने का काम कर रहे हैं। लेकिन ये लोग याद रखें- कांग्रेस के &#39;बब्बर शेर&#39; इन्हें छोड़ने वाले नहीं… <a href="https://t.co/AC11Z2Zqn7">pic.twitter.com/AC11Z2Zqn7</a>&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/2040708983284187365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;He intensified his attack on Sarma over corruption charges levelled by the Congress against him and his family and warned of strict action.“He (CM Himanta Biswa Sarma) made a blunder by including his family in the corruption, now even his family will get accused,” Rahul alleged.He also invoked noted Assamese singer Zubeen Garg while comparing his party’s ideology with the BJP’s “divisive politics”.“Zubeen Garg worked his entire life to unite people of Assam, he never misbehaved with anyone. The Congress philosophy is also like that, to spread love against hatred,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-bushehr-nuclear-power-plant-hit-again-one-killed-building-damaged-1775307082648">Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, petrochemical units and cement plant hit in fresh wave of strikes</a>&nbsp;Outlining Congress party’s key election promises for the state, Rahul said that the party would grant Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe status to six communities in Assam and improve the wages of tea workers.“We are clearly saying that we will give SC/ST status to Assam’s 6 communities. We have also clearly mentioned in the manifesto that we will give Rs 450 per day to the tea workers,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/downgrade-from-regime-change-to-find-our-pilots-iran-s-speaker-mohammad-bagher-ghalibaf-mocks-us-over-downed-jet-1775237385567">Downgrade from ‘regime change’ to ‘find our pilots’: Iran’s speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocks US over downed jet</a>&nbsp;If voted to power, the Congress would roll out multiple schemes within a short time frame, he said. “As soon as we form the government in Assam, we will implement the six decisions taken for Assam. Every woman will receive a monthly cash transfer into her bank account without any conditions, and those who want to start a business will be given Rs 50,000. We guarantee that within 100 days, we will punish the accused in the Zubeen Garg case.”&nbsp;The assembly elections in Assam are scheduled for 9 April, and results will be declared on 4 May.

Targeting the ruling BJP, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that Assam’s governance is being controlled from New Delhi. He claimed that Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi, and Narendra Modi and Amit Shah control CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held an election rally in Assam’s Golaghat on Sunday, where he alleged that India cannot buy oil from any country without US President Donald Trump’s permission because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ‘compromised’. Addressing the rally, Rahul Gandhi said, “The situation now is this—India can’t even buy oil from any country without Trump’s permission. Narendra Modi has handed over India’s energy security and data into America’s hands. This is the result of Narendra Modi being compromised.” He further said that Trump says he can finish PM Modi’s career whenever he wants.

Targeting the ruling BJP, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that Assam’s governance is being controlled from New Delhi. He claimed that Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi, and Narendra Modi and Amit Shah control CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.

‘India can’t buy oil without Trump’s permission, PM is compromised,’ says Rahul Gandhi

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala on Wednesday (Mar 25) after his mother Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised late Tuesday (Mar 24). The Senior Congress leader was admitted to Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital over health concerns. According to reports, she is undergoing treatment and is currently in a stable condition with doctors monitoring her health.According to reports, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala to hold a major rally in Kozhikode as part of his election campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Senior Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge will now be visiting the state in place of Gandhi.Sonia Gandhi was admitted to the hospital after feeling unwell due to the change in weather and is under observation, PTI reported. A team of doctors is monitoring her treatment, although there are no serious concerns, it added.The Rajya Sabha MP was also hospitalised due to respiratory issues earlier in January. At that time, doctors had said it was due to deterioration in her health, along with cold weather and high pollution levels in Delhi. She reportedly suffers from bronchial asthma that was mildly exacerbated during her previous hospitalisation.<h2>Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Kozhikode</h2>Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kerala was planned ahead of the polls in Kerala. His rally was expected to take place at the Kozhikode beach in the evening on Wednesday (Mar 25), kickstarting his campaign tour in state ahead of the polls on April 9.Last week, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who heads the election campaign committee, said that Rahul Gandhi was set to elaborate on the key promises of the United Democratic Front (UDF), including the proposed “guarantee card.” Several other leaders of the party were expected to join the event.

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised in Delhi after sudden health concerns. Due to her health, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala ahead of the polls. Here’s what we know about her health.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala on Wednesday (Mar 25) after his mother Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised late Tuesday (Mar 24). The Senior Congress leader was admitted to Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital over health concerns. According to reports, she is undergoing treatment and is currently in a stable condition with doctors monitoring her health. According to reports, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala to hold a major rally in Kozhikode as part of his election campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Senior Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge will now be visiting the state in place of Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi was admitted to the hospital after feeling unwell due to the change in weather and is under observation, PTI reported. A team of doctors is monitoring her treatment, although there are no serious concerns, it added. The Rajya Sabha MP was also hospitalised due to respiratory issues earlier in January. At that time, doctors had said it was due to deterioration in her health, along with cold weather and high pollution levels in Delhi. She reportedly suffers from bronchial asthma that was mildly exacerbated during her previous hospitalisation. Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Kozhikode Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kerala was planned ahead of the polls in Kerala. His rally was expected to take place at the Kozhikode beach in the evening on Wednesday (Mar 25), kickstarting his campaign tour in state ahead of the polls on April 9. Last week, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who heads the election campaign committee, said that Rahul Gandhi was set to elaborate on the key promises of the United Democratic Front (UDF), including the proposed “guarantee card.” Several other leaders of the party were expected to join the event.

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised in Delhi after sudden health concerns. Due to her health, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala ahead of the polls. Here’s what we know about her health.

Sonia Gandhi hospitalised: Rahul Gandhi cancels Kerala rally over mother’s health – Here’s what we know

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched an attack targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, suggesting that India has been sidelined, also alleging that Prime Minister Modi was "compromised". While speaking in a press briefing, Rahul Gandhi responded to the reports that Pakistan could facilitate a potential high-stakes peace talks between Iran and the US. He slammed Modi, calling his foreign policy “a universal joke”. He accused PM Modi of committing a “structural blunder”."Our foreign policy is Prime Minister Modi's personal foreign policy. You can see the result of this. It's a universal joke. Everybody considers it a universal joke," said Rahul Gandhi. He added that Trump knows how to manipulate Modi and suggested he is under “100 per cent control of Trump.” He further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising Indian national interest. “Prime Minister Modi will do whatever Israel and the US want,” said Gandhi. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav said, highlighting the war in West Asia, “the situation gave India an opportunity to assert itself as Vishwaguru”. The Indian government should answer how they “let that opportunity go.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-child-torture-allegations-israel-detention-abuse-1774340931837">Palestinian media alleges 1-year-old boy 'tortured by Israeli forces' in Gaza to 'extract confession' from father</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, &quot;Our foreign policy is PM Modi&#39;s personal foreign policy... Everyone considers this a universal joke... Donald Trump knows exactly what PM Modi can and cannot do. If the Prime Minister is compromised, our foreign… <a href="https://t.co/GEGebCqGjk">pic.twitter.com/GEGebCqGjk</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2036366877468111345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, &quot;I would not be able to attend because I have a program in Kerala. All-party meeting should take place, but a structural blunder has been made... And this cannot be fixed, especially the Prime Minister cannot. He… <a href="https://t.co/gAIBnSG77B">https://t.co/gAIBnSG77B</a> <a href="https://t.co/NuXDdpMuIN">pic.twitter.com/NuXDdpMuIN</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2036366903388872841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Government of India has requested an all-party meeting on March 25, 2026, to discuss the escalating West Asia crisis. The move comes amid reports of an LPG crisis and unstable market conditions caused by tensions in the region. On Tuesday, Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh slammed the Government of India's handling of the conflict in West Asia. Meanwhile, CPI(M) MP John Brittas cited a 2003 resolution condemning the US war on Iraq and urged for a similar resolution condemning the US war on Iran.&nbsp;

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, accusing him of committing a “structural blunder”, as the GOI calls an all-party meeting on March 25 to discuss the ongoing war in West Asia. 

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched an attack targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, suggesting that India has been sidelined, also alleging that Prime Minister Modi was "compromised". While speaking in a press briefing, Rahul Gandhi responded to the reports that Pakistan could facilitate a potential high-stakes peace talks between Iran and the US. He slammed Modi, calling his foreign policy “a universal joke”. He accused PM Modi of committing a “structural blunder”. "Our foreign policy is Prime Minister Modi's personal foreign policy. You can see the result of this. It's a universal joke. Everybody considers it a universal joke," said Rahul Gandhi. He added that Trump knows how to manipulate Modi and suggested he is under “100 per cent control of Trump.” He further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising Indian national interest. “Prime Minister Modi will do whatever Israel and the US want,” said Gandhi. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav said, highlighting the war in West Asia, “the situation gave India an opportunity to assert itself as Vishwaguru”. The Indian government should answer how they “let that opportunity go.” Also Read: Palestinian media alleges 1-year-old boy 'tortured by Israeli forces' in Gaza to 'extract confession' from father

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, accusing him of committing a “structural blunder”, as the GOI calls an all-party meeting on March 25 to discuss the ongoing war in West Asia.&nbsp;

'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war

Senior Congress leader and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday raised concern over the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, asking the Central government to change its mindset and start preparing. He said that he was not allowed to make a statement on the issue in Parliament. Gandhi told news agency ANI, "Normally, the procedure is that you can ask to talk. So I asked to be allowed to make a statement about the LPG gas and oil situation in the country. But a new procedure has started where the Minister will first decide, then I will speak, then the Minister will reply." The development came after Congress MP K C Venugopal urged Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, to permit the Leader of the Opposition to raise the matter of the LPG crisis in the House. "The LoP has given a notice. Please allow the LoP to raise the issue of the LPG crisis," Venugopal said. However, Speaker Birla responded that the issue could be discussed when the Petroleum Minister is present in the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed a similar view. "I received the notice and informed the minister. When the minister is present in the House, we will discuss it," Om Birla said.<h3>Rahul Gandhi warns of the LPG shortage&nbsp;</h3>Later, while speaking to reporters, Rahul Gandhi warned that the LPG shortage could worsen in the coming days and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that citizens’ interests and the country’s energy needs are safeguarded.&nbsp;"All fuel is going to be a problem because essentially our energy security has been compromised. Flawed foreign policy has created this problem. Now we have to prepare. We still have a bit of time left. The government and the Prime Minister should instantly start the preparations; otherwise crores of people will suffer great losses, "Gandhi also said.&nbsp;"It is a much bigger issue than whether Iran will allow fuel or not. This war is fundamentally about the current world order. We're entering an unstable time. During this time, you have to change your mindset. What I am suggesting to the government is that now they need to start thinking deeply and ensure that our people do not suffer heavy losses. This is not a political statement. I can see a big problem coming. The problem is that the Prime Minister is not able to function as the Prime Minister of the country. There is a reason for it, which is that he is trapped. Anyway, he still needs to make sure that people of India are protected, and our energy security is managed by us. The Prime Minister is unable to function as the PM because he is trapped. Anyway, he needs to make sure that people of India are protected," the LoP added. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas announced on Wednesday that domestic LPG production has increased by nearly 25 percent and the entire domestic LPG production is being focused towards household consumers. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-war-minab-school-strike-could-it-be-considered-a-war-crime-what-the-law-says-iran-israel-us-conflict-update-analysis-explainer-1773298668014">Iran war Minab school strike: Could it be considered a war crime? What the law says</a>

Rahul Gandhi warned that the LPG shortage could worsen in the coming days and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that citizens’ interests and the country’s energy needs are safeguarded.

Senior Congress leader and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday raised concern over the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, asking the Central government to change its mindset and start preparing. He said that he was not allowed to make a statement on the issue in Parliament. Gandhi told news agency ANI, "Normally, the procedure is that you can ask to talk. So I asked to be allowed to make a statement about the LPG gas and oil situation in the country. But a new procedure has started where the Minister will first decide, then I will speak, then the Minister will reply." The development came after Congress MP K C Venugopal urged Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, to permit the Leader of the Opposition to raise the matter of the LPG crisis in the House. "The LoP has given a notice. Please allow the LoP to raise the issue of the LPG crisis," Venugopal said. However, Speaker Birla responded that the issue could be discussed when the Petroleum Minister is present in the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed a similar view. "I received the notice and informed the minister. When the minister is present in the House, we will discuss it," Om Birla said. Rahul Gandhi warns of the LPG shortage Later, while speaking to reporters, Rahul Gandhi warned that the LPG shortage could worsen in the coming days and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that citizens’ interests and the country’s energy needs are safeguarded. "All fuel is going to be a problem because essentially our energy security has been compromised. Flawed foreign policy has created this problem. Now we have to prepare. We still have a bit of time left. The government and the Prime Minister should instantly start the preparations; otherwise crores of people will suffer great losses, "Gandhi also said. "It is a much bigger issue than whether Iran will allow fuel or not. This war is fundamentally about the current world order. We're entering an unstable time. During this time, you have to change your mindset. What I am suggesting to the government is that now they need to start thinking deeply and ensure that our people do not suffer heavy losses. This is not a political statement. I can see a big problem coming. The problem is that the Prime Minister is not able to function as the Prime Minister of the country. There is a reason for it, which is that he is trapped. Anyway, he still needs to make sure that people of India are protected, and our energy security is managed by us. The Prime Minister is unable to function as the PM because he is trapped. Anyway, he needs to make sure that people of India are protected," the LoP added. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas announced on Wednesday that domestic LPG production has increased by nearly 25 percent and the entire domestic LPG production is being focused towards household consumers. Also read: Iran war Minab school strike: Could it be considered a war crime? What the law says

Rahul Gandhi warned that the LPG shortage could worsen in the coming days and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that citizens’ interests and the country’s energy needs are safeguarded.

‘Big problem coming’: Rahul Gandhi warns of LPG shortage in India, asks govt to prepare for crisis

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi targeted PM Modi again on March 5, calling out his “silence” after a US submarine sunk IRIS Dena. In a social media post, Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of “surrendering India's strategic autonomy”. He said that India needs a steady hand at the wheel as the country has troubled times ahead.&nbsp;"The conflict has reached our backyard, with an Iranian warship sunk in the Indian Ocean. Yet the Prime Minister has said nothing. At a moment like this, we need a steady hand at the wheel. Instead, India has a compromised PM who has surrendered our strategic autonomy," wrote Rahul Gandhi. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said the response of India was "shocking," that the Indian government had never looked so "timid and fearful". Pawan Khera said that the Prime Minister lacked courage.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-irgc-attack-us-vessel-persian-gulf-strait-of-hormuz-1772713395262">Iran strikes back at US oil tanker in the Gulf after torpedo attack on IRIS Dena</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The world has entered a volatile phase. Stormy seas lie ahead. India’s oil supplies are under threat, with more than 40% of our imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The situation is even worse for LPG and LNG. The conflict has reached our backyard, with an Iranian warship…&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/2029446569335099456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The response from the Indian authorities has been muted; it didn't condemn the killing of children in the Minab school bombing, and the government has remained largely silent on the killing of Ali Khamenei. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Iranian Ambassador Dr Mohammed Fathali and signed the condolence book. In;dia denied having shared any intelligence or "baseless and fabricated" claims that Indian ports were used by the US Navy to stage attacks on IRIS Dena.&nbsp;The Iranian frigate was struck around &nbsp;40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka. The attack resulted in the death of &nbsp;87 Iranian sailors, while 32 others were rescued by the Sri Lankan Military. IRIS Dena was transiting from India's territorial waters after participating in the International Fleet Review 2026 (IFR) and MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam. Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal said that usually, these exercise ships cannot carry any ammunition as per the protocols, it didn't have any defence capability. The US was also invited to the exercise, but it withdrew from participation at the last minute. The IRIS Dena was “a guest of India's Navy”; the US has ignored India's sensitivities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi criticised PM Narendra Modi for remaining silent after the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was sunk near Sri Lanka during escalating US-Iran tensions.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi targeted PM Modi again on March 5, calling out his “silence” after a US submarine sunk IRIS Dena. In a social media post, Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of “surrendering India's strategic autonomy”. He said that India needs a steady hand at the wheel as the country has troubled times ahead. "The conflict has reached our backyard, with an Iranian warship sunk in the Indian Ocean. Yet the Prime Minister has said nothing. At a moment like this, we need a steady hand at the wheel. Instead, India has a compromised PM who has surrendered our strategic autonomy," wrote Rahul Gandhi. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said the response of India was "shocking," that the Indian government had never looked so "timid and fearful". Pawan Khera said that the Prime Minister lacked courage. Also Read: Iran strikes back at US oil tanker in the Gulf after torpedo attack on IRIS Dena

Rahul Gandhi criticised PM Narendra Modi for remaining silent after the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was sunk near Sri Lanka during escalating US-Iran tensions.

Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of surrendering strategic autonomy after torpedo attack on IRIS Dena

Shiv Sena (UBT) has taken a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, questioning his leadership of the INDIA bloc ahead of crucial state elections. The party suggested that figures like Mamata Banerjee or M.K. Stalin could lead the coalition instead, highlighting internal tensions within the opposition. Watch to understand the political dynamics and what this could mean for upcoming polls

INDIA Bloc Crisis: Shiv Sena (UBT) Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Leadership in INDIA Bloc Crisis

rahul-gandhi

Rahul Gandhi, News on Rahul Gandhi, stories on Rahul Gandhi, articles on Rahul Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi stories at Wion, Rahul Gandhi news, Rahul Gandhi latest news

rahul gandhi

Was Rahul Gandhi's detention during Parliament monsoon session illegal? What the law actually says | WION Decodes

NEET Protest Intensifies: Opposition MPs wear black, students demand education reforms

NEET protest escalates in Delhi | Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi detained during education reform protest

NEET row escalates: Opposition protests outside PM Modi’s residence, Centre responds | CJP Protest

NEET Protest: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi detained amid massive NEET protest in New Delhi

'Absolutely wrong': Shashi Tharoor slams detention of Priyanka, Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi released after detention; Wangchuk's fast enters day 24

Rahul Gandhi detained for dharna outside PM's residence, Wangchuk's fast enters day 24

Rahul Gandhi released after sit-in outside PM's residence; vow to fight on

Rahul Gandhi’s protest outside PM Modi’s residence, demands accountability on paper leak

Watch | Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka detained during sit-in outside PM's residence

Rahul Gandhi claims NEET question paper being sold for Rs 40 lakhs

Congress workers' portrayal of Rahul Gandhi as Hindu deity draws backlash online

‘A joke, politically immature’: DMK blames Rahul Gandhi for split with Congress, weakening opposition

Opposition targets Modi's silence after Rubio's response on Indian sailors death

Is the Gandhi family holding Congress together or holding it back?

BJP hits back at Rahul's 'economic tsunami' statement, calls it 'fear-mongering'

Will Modi impose a National Emergency in 2027? WION Decodes RaGa's claim

'Chat with fellow Soros agents': Rahul Gandhi targets Centre over CBSE OSM row

Dharmendra Pradhan takes responsibility for CBSE OSM discrepancies; slams RaGa

'Modi govt fears youth, Gen Z': Rahul Gandhi slams Centre over CBSE OSM row

Modi, Shah traitors, sold country, says Rahul; BJP slams ‘enemy nation language’

'Why are you silent?': Rahul Gandhi questions PM Modi over NEET-UG row

Rahul Gandhi calls Modi's 9 appeals 'proof of failure’: Here's what PM said

Rahul Gandhi drops cryptic '16' clue in Parliament- What is Gandhi’s riddle?

‘India can’t buy oil without Trump’s permission, PM is compromised,’ says Rahul