Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Smriti Irani Challenges Rahul Gandhi’s Pellet Protest Sit-In
Rahul Gandhi protested near a Delhi police station after a young protester named Sahil Lochab said he was injured by pellets.
Gandhi wanted police to register a formal complaint and appoint a special investigating officer.
Smriti Irani, a BJP leader, said the protest was mainly political theatre.
She pointed to videos that she said showed Gandhi tossing toffees and laughing during the sit-in.
Irani said investigations into what happened were still taking place.
Delhi Police denied using pellet guns against the student protesters.
She said people should not blame police or security forces before the facts are established.
The Supreme Court decided to create a committee to examine allegations connected to the protests.
Irani also rejected the idea that young people broadly oppose the government, noting that many young people serve in security and other public services.
Rahul Gandhi held a Delhi sit-in supporting Sahil Lochab’s demand for an FIR and a designated investigating officer.
Smriti Irani called the protest political posturing and questioned Gandhi’s commitment to the alleged pellet-injury case.
Irani cited videos that she said showed Gandhi tossing toffees, laughing and gesticulating at the police station.
She urged the public to await investigations and not malign police, paramilitary or armed-forces personnel.
Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, while the Supreme Court decided to form a committee on allegations linked to the protests.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi, Sahil Lochab, Smriti Irani, Delhi Police and protesters are central to the report.
- What
- A political dispute developed over Gandhi’s sit-in demanding an FIR and investigation into alleged pellet-gun injuries during a youth protest.
- When
- The protest march took place on July 20, and the protest ended five days later; Irani discussed the matter on Friday.
- Where
- The sit-in took place at or outside a police station in central New Delhi; a separate alleged shooting incident was discussed in Bihar.
- Why
- Gandhi supported Lochab’s demands, while Irani said investigations were underway and accused Gandhi of using the issue for political gain.
Rahul Gandhi and Protest Supporters
Smriti Irani and the BJP
FIR and investigation
Rahul Gandhi and Protest Supporters
Gandhi supported Lochab’s request for an FIR and a designated investigating officer regarding the alleged pellet injuries.
Smriti Irani and the BJP
Irani said investigations were already underway and argued that authorities should be allowed to complete them before conclusions are reached.
Meaning of the sit-in
Rahul Gandhi and Protest Supporters
Gandhi’s protest presented the alleged injuries and demand for an FIR as matters requiring official action.
Smriti Irani and the BJP
Irani said the sit-in was political posturing and cited videos she said showed Gandhi tossing toffees, laughing and gesticulating.
Conduct of security forces
Rahul Gandhi and Protest Supporters
The protest raised allegations that security personnel used pellet guns against young demonstrators.
Smriti Irani and the BJP
Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, while Irani said the public should not malign police or paramilitary personnel before investigations conclude.
Government and youth concerns
Rahul Gandhi and Protest Supporters
The protests reflected concerns among young people about the examination system and government administration.
Smriti Irani and the BJP
Irani said the government had engaged with students and citizens, and argued that Gen-Z is also represented in paramilitary, armed and frontline services.
- Protest demand
- Sahil Lochab sought an FIR and the assignment of an investigating officer.
- Alleged injuries
- Lochab said he suffered pellet injuries during the youth protest.
- Irani’s characterization
- Smriti Irani described Gandhi’s sit-in as political posturing or political theatre rather than genuine advocacy.
- Police position
- Delhi Police denied using pellet guns against the student protesters.
- Investigation status
- Irani said investigations into the police action were still underway.
- Supreme Court action
- The Supreme Court decided to form a committee concerning allegations linked to the youth protests.
- Protest outcome
- The march ended five days later after Dharmendra Pradhan was replaced as education minister.
