New Delhi, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday extended support to a group of student protesters, describing them as defenders of the Constitution and the “idea of India” while asserting that they should not be forced to apologise for raising concerns over the country’s education system.
Addressing a press conference outside 10 Janpath in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi appeared alongside several student activists, including protesters associated with the Jantar Mantar demonstration and Riya Ahir, who gained attention after a video of her confronting police personnel in Mumbai went viral.
Gandhi said the students were exercising their democratic rights by highlighting issues related to education and the future of young people. He said their protests were aimed at protecting constitutional values and seeking reforms in the education system.
“I am very proud of them and of what they, along with thousands of young Indians like them, have done. They have defended the Constitution. They have protected the idea of India and India’s future,” he said.
The Congress leader said raising concerns against what he termed a “flawed” education system was not a crime. He alleged that the protesters were neither violent nor aggressive, yet they faced pressure, threats and alleged mistreatment.
Gandhi also criticised the alleged attempts to force some protesters to apologise, referring to the controversy surrounding a young female protester whose remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Jantar Mantar protest led to widespread criticism, a police case and a subsequent public apology.
He alleged that pressure was being created on protesters and their families, calling such actions unacceptable.
“We want a better education system, an end to exam leaks, and a secure future for the youth of our country,” Gandhi said, urging the government to address concerns raised by students and bring necessary reforms.
Riya Ahir, the student activist from Mumbai, said she had only intervened to prevent the alleged illegal detention of around 20 students and denied obstructing police duties. She claimed she was being targeted after raising her voice.
“I am the same girl who had stopped the police van in Mumbai, and now many narratives are being run about me,” she said, adding that she had filed a police complaint on July 27 but had not received an FIR registration till August 5.
Another protester, Farah Naaz, alleged that police used force during a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 and later detained participants. She said the students would continue raising their voices for their rights and the country.
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