BJP Accuses Rahul Gandhi of ‘Credit Politics’ Over Student Protests, Alleges Opposition Rift on Exam Leak Issue

New Delhi, July 2026 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of attempting to claim political credit for the ongoing student protests over alleged examination paper leaks while remaining absent during the initial phase of the agitation.

The BJP alleged that a struggle for political mileage has emerged within the Opposition, claiming that the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are competing to appropriate the students’ movement. Party leaders said the developments have exposed growing divisions within the INDIA bloc and accused Opposition parties of politicising an issue concerning the future of students instead of supporting a constructive solution.

Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Rohan Gupta criticised Rahul Gandhi for joining a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence instead of participating in the student demonstrations that had been taking place for several days at Jantar Mantar. According to Gupta, neither Rahul Gandhi nor senior Congress leaders had extended support to the students when the protests first began.

He alleged that the Congress stepped in only after sensing political opportunity in the issue. Calling it an example of “vulture politics,” Gupta claimed that the Congress has a pattern of using public agitations to further its political agenda rather than standing with protesters from the outset. He said the party’s latest protest was aimed at taking ownership of an issue that had already gained national attention.

Gupta further argued that such political behaviour was not new and alleged that the Congress had adopted a similar approach during previous agitations, including the farmers’ protest and the wrestlers’ movement. According to him, the party frequently attempts to use Parliament sessions as an opportunity to intensify attacks on the government by aligning itself with ongoing public protests.

The BJP leader maintained that the Centre remains committed to safeguarding students’ interests and ensuring that their academic future is not adversely affected. He asserted that the Union government has acknowledged the concerns raised by students over examination irregularities and is prepared to take appropriate steps to address them. At the same time, he questioned why the Congress chose to organise a separate protest rather than supporting the students already demonstrating at Jantar Mantar.

Gupta claimed that instead of strengthening the students’ voice, the Congress sought to shift the spotlight towards its own political campaign. He alleged that the party’s actions reflected an attempt to gain visibility and public attention rather than genuinely support the students’ demands.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also weighed in on the controversy, saying the events surrounding Tuesday’s protests had exposed deep cracks within the Opposition alliance. He referred to public criticism exchanged between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, claiming that both parties were accusing each other of trying to hijack the student movement.

According to Poonawalla, the disagreement has highlighted differences within the INDIA bloc, with some alliance partners reportedly backing the Congress while others appeared to be more sympathetic towards the AAP. He claimed that the situation had effectively divided the Opposition into competing camps, each seeking political advantage from the students’ agitation.

Poonawalla further alleged that despite their public statements supporting students, Opposition parties were more interested in political confrontation than parliamentary discussion. He claimed that instead of participating in a structured debate on the issue in Parliament, Opposition leaders were attempting to use the controversy to target the government and deepen political divisions.

The BJP maintained that the Centre remains focused on addressing concerns related to examination integrity and ensuring fairness for students across the country. Party leaders reiterated that while the government is committed to taking necessary action against irregularities, the Opposition should avoid politicising sensitive issues affecting students and instead contribute constructively to finding lasting solutions.

The exchange marks the latest political confrontation between the BJP and the Opposition over alleged examination paper leaks, an issue that has triggered widespread protests and intensified debate both inside and outside Parliament. As the controversy continues, the ruling party has accused the Opposition of prioritising political gains, while the Opposition has continued to question the government’s handling of examination-related concerns.

Team Maverick.