Rahul Gandhi detained during protest outside PM Modi’s residence
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday while leading a protest march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence in New Delhi. His detention came as opposition parties intensified their campaign over the government’s handling of student protests and alleged examination irregularities.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were also taken into custody during the demonstration. The opposition leaders were demanding Prime Minister Modi’s resignation following the police crackdown on students protesting for education reforms.
Before his detention, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of refusing to take responsibility for the crisis. He said the administration was avoiding accountability and was unwilling to hold a parliamentary debate on the issue. He also alleged that the future of India’s youth had been damaged due to repeated failures in the education system.
Videos from the protest showed Gandhi resisting detention as police officers attempted to remove him from the protest site. Reports said he suffered minor injuries during the scuffle with security personnel.
The protest followed large-scale demonstrations in New Delhi a day earlier. Thousands of students and activists gathered to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and called for major reforms to India’s examination system.
The protests were organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a movement that has gained massive popularity through social media since its launch earlier this year. The group says it will continue nationwide demonstrations until its demands are accepted.
Police used tear gas and batons to stop protesters from marching towards parliament on Monday. Violent clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces. Authorities said more than 170 people were injured during the unrest, including over 100 police personnel. Dozens of protesters also sustained injuries.
Police accused some protesters of violent behaviour during the clashes. Protest organisers strongly rejected the allegations. They claimed security forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and injured hundreds of students.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged supporters not to lose hope despite the crackdown. He said the movement would continue peacefully and would not end until the education minister stepped down and meaningful reforms were introduced.
Many protesters remained at the Jantar Mantar protest site on Tuesday. They pledged to continue demonstrations until the government addressed their concerns.
The issue also disrupted parliament. Opposition lawmakers demanded an immediate discussion on the police action against students, forcing the proceedings to be temporarily adjourned.
