New Delhi. The ongoing student protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the alleged NEET paper leak and reforms in the education system, has now become a national political issue. Almost the entire opposition appears united in support of the students. Following Thursday's protests by opposition parties, security was tightened outside the residence of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, several senior opposition leaders and MPs visited Rahul Gandhi at his residence, where an important strategic meeting was held.

According to media reports, MPs present during the meeting were instructed not to disclose any information about the discussion. Following the meeting, Rahul Gandhi and opposition MPs boarded buses to Gandhi Smriti (30 January Marg) and expressed their support for the student movement. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has called for a nationwide protest on Friday. For security reasons, 17 Delhi Metro stations have been closed until further notice.

Rahul Gandhi said, "The entire opposition stands with the students."

Before arriving at Gandhi Smriti, Rahul Gandhi stated that when the country's students are struggling on the streets, it is essential for the opposition to join them. He explained that opposition MPs wanted to go to India Gate, but the police denied permission. Subsequently, the decision was made to visit Gandhi Smriti. Rahul Gandhi stated that the most important message is that the entire opposition stands firmly with the students.

Several prominent opposition leaders gathered at Rahul's residence.

Senior leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Jairam Ramesh, JB Mather, Parineeti Shinde, and Shafi Parambil, arrived at Rahul Gandhi's residence. Several other MPs, including RJD MPs Misa Bharti and Sanjay Yadav, Congress MPs Pramod Tiwari, Akhilesh Prasad Singh, and Imran Pratapgarhi, attended the meeting. When asked about the purpose of the meeting, Mallikarjun Kharge responded in a light tone that he was "invited for tea."

Rahul Gandhi's Official Residence

After becoming the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi was allotted Bungalow No. 5 on Sunhari Bagh Road. Previously, he lived at 12 Tughlaq Lane, which he vacated in 2023, and then briefly lived at Sonia Gandhi's residence. His current official residence is located approximately 900 meters from Gandhi Smriti.

BJP Calls Meeting a 'Political Drama'

The BJP has raised questions about the meeting held at Rahul Gandhi's residence. Commenting on social media, the party's National General Secretary, B.L. Santosh, alleged that the Congress was staging a political drama to divert attention from the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. He said such activities were merely an attempt to create a political atmosphere.

Political Conflict Intensifies After the July 21 Protest

Earlier, on July 21, opposition MPs led by Rahul Gandhi protested near the Prime Minister's residence. A strategy meeting prior to the protest was held at Congress President Kharge's residence. Attempts were made to hold talks between the government and the opposition, but no consensus could be reached. Following this, the Delhi Police detained several MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who were released late last night. The opposition is now adamant on the alleged paper leak in Parliament and demands for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, leading to frequent disruptions in Parliament.

Government invites CJP for talks, party sets conditions

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the government has offered the CJP four times in the past 24 hours to hold talks at BJP President JP Nadda's residence or office. However, the CJP clarified that if the government wants talks, they should be held at Jantar Mantar or a neutral location, not at the home or office of any political leader.

17 Delhi Metro stations currently closed

In view of law and order and security concerns, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has suspended operations of 17 metro stations for the second consecutive day until further notice. These include Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Seva Tirtha, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium and Jhandewalan station.