New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday sharpened the opposition's offensive against the Centre over the police action on student protesters, demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students and resign along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Hours later, Gandhi visited students injured in the police crackdown, turning the issue into a major flashpoint during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The Congress MP accused the government of responding with force instead of addressing concerns raised by students over the country's education and examination system. His remarks came a day after thousands of protesters marching towards Parliament were stopped by security personnel using batons and tear gas during demonstrations that began at Jantar Mantar and nearby areas. The protests have drawn nationwide attention and have become one of the biggest political issues of the Monsoon Session.

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Addressing reporters in the Parliament House complex, Gandhi said Prime Minister Modi should publicly apologise for the police action against students and questioned why the government had remained silent after the violence.

Escalating his criticism, he argued that accountability extended beyond Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

While reiterating the opposition's demand for Pradhan's resignation, Gandhi said the responsibility for the police action rested with Home Minister Amit Shah and, ultimately, the Prime Minister.

He said Pradhan was "an intermediary" and alleged that the Home Minister was responsible for the action taken against protesters, adding that since the Home Minister reports to the Prime Minister, both should resign.

Rahul Gandhi visits injured students after police action

Soon after making the remarks, Gandhi met students who were injured during Monday's clashes between protesters and security personnel.

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The visit came amid mounting political pressure over the handling of the demonstrations, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of using excessive force against young protesters instead of engaging with their demands.

Images of injured students and the police operation have fuelled political debate, while opposition leaders have continued to press for accountability inside and outside Parliament.

Opposition seeks Parliament debate on student protests

Gandhi also said he met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla along with other opposition MPs to seek a discussion on the police action.

According to him, the Speaker said he would have to consult the government before permitting a debate, a response Gandhi criticised while questioning whether Parliament should require the government's approval to discuss an issue involving students.

The opposition has been demanding an immediate discussion on the protests and the alleged use of force against demonstrators during the Monsoon Session.

Why are students protesting?

The demonstrations stem from growing anger over alleged failures in the education and examination system, with protesters demanding greater accountability and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The agitation has expanded beyond exam-related concerns into a broader youth movement highlighting issues ranging from examination reforms to government accountability. Activist Sonam Wangchuk's protest and developments at Jantar Mantar have also kept public attention focused on the wider movement.

Backing the protesters, Gandhi claimed the country's education and testing system had effectively "collapsed" and said students were justified in raising their concerns.

Protest crackdown intensifies political row

Monday's protest saw thousands of students and youth supporters attempt to march towards Parliament before security personnel intervened. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, leading to injuries among protesters and security personnel.

With agency inputs