Delhi: Rahul leads NSUI protest march against NEP-2020, paper leaks

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, joined thousands of students in a massive protest march to Parliament on Monday, led by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and student organisations from the INDIA Alliance. The demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the National Education Policy-2020, frequent paper leaks, the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft regulations and the growing privatisation of education. Several senior MPs from the INDIA Alliance also participated in support.

Addressing students at Jantar Mantar, Gandhi accused the BJP-RSS of attempting to control the education system to curb independent thought.

“The BJP and RSS want to control education to suppress independent thinking. Students must resist their agenda, unite, and take this movement nationwide. This is a fight for India’s future,” he said.

NSUI national president Varun Choudhary, who led the march, criticised the government’s handling of education policies and examination processes. “The BJP government is systematically destroying India’s education system through privatisation, exam scams and anti-student policies such as NEP-2020. Lakhs of students are suffering due to repeated paper leaks and irregularities in competitive exams, yet the government refuses to take accountability,” he said.

Choudhary also accused the government of using force to suppress student voices. “Instead of addressing our legitimate concerns, the BJP government is using police force to silence students. But, let me make it clear — this movement will not stop here. The NSUI, along with the students of India, will continue this fight until the government is held accountable and necessary reforms are implemented,” he added.

Despite the protest being largely peaceful, the Delhi Police detained over 100 students, including Choudhary. The police claimed the march did not have prior permission, leading to the detentions.

Following the detentions, the NSUI and INDIA Alliance student organisations vowed to intensify their agitation in the coming days.

“The youth of this country will not tolerate an education system that serves the interests of a few while jeopardising the future of millions,” NSUI leaders said.