Rahul Gandhi, INDIA Bloc Hold Candlelight Vigil at Gandhi Smriti Over NEET Paper Leak Row

New Delhi, July 2026 : The Opposition intensified its campaign over the alleged NEET examination paper leak on Thursday, with Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi leading a symbolic candlelight vigil at Gandhi Smriti in the national capital. The demonstration, attended by MPs from the INDIA bloc, was organised to express solidarity with students affected by the controversy and to demand greater accountability from the Centre.

The vigil was dedicated to students who allegedly lost their lives by suicide following the examination controversy, as well as those who were reportedly injured during recent protests demanding reforms in the examination system. The Opposition maintained that the demonstration was a peaceful expression of support for students and their families.

Rahul Gandhi, dressed in his signature white T-shirt, carried the national flag and a copy of the Constitution during the march, underscoring what the Opposition described as its commitment to safeguarding democratic rights and the interests of India’s youth. Fellow MPs used the flashlights on their mobile phones to create the effect of a candlelight vigil, symbolising hope and remembrance.

Earlier in the day, security was tightened outside Rahul Gandhi’s residence, where leaders of the INDIA alliance gathered for a strategy meeting. After the discussions, Gandhi announced that the alliance would march to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg, located a short distance away, to pay tribute to the students affected by the alleged examination irregularities.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several Opposition lawmakers travelled to the venue in three buses before joining the peaceful vigil. According to Congress leaders, the gathering was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of students and highlighting what they called the government’s failure to protect the integrity of competitive examinations.

Addressing supporters before the march, Rahul Gandhi said the INDIA alliance was proceeding peacefully to Gandhi Smriti to remember students who had allegedly died following the NEET paper leak controversy and to stand with those who were injured while demanding justice and accountability through peaceful protests.

The Congress leader also claimed that the Opposition’s original plan to hold the vigil at India Gate had not received permission from the police. He alleged that the buses carrying Opposition leaders were briefly stopped before being allowed to continue to Gandhi Smriti.

Sharing a video from inside one of the buses on social media, Rahul Gandhi asserted that no authority could prevent the Opposition from standing with the students of the country. His remarks were echoed by other INDIA bloc leaders, who reiterated their commitment to raising the issue both inside and outside Parliament.

The Opposition has continued to demand a comprehensive investigation into the alleged paper leak, accountability for those responsible, and measures to restore confidence in the country’s examination system. Leaders also called for stronger safeguards to protect students and ensure transparency in future competitive examinations.

The candlelight vigil marked another phase in the Opposition’s nationwide campaign over the NEET controversy, with the INDIA bloc indicating that protests and political pressure would continue until its demands for accountability and reforms are addressed.