Rahul Gandhi released after protest detention
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was released on Wednesday after being detained by police during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in New Delhi. His release came as demonstrations over the country’s education system entered a third consecutive day.
Gandhi joined protesters to express support for students demanding reforms in India’s examination system. During the protest, he accused the government of ignoring students’ concerns and criticized the police response to demonstrations held earlier this week.
The protests are being led by the social media-driven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has emerged as a major opposition movement calling for accountability and reforms in the country’s education sector. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and greater transparency in national examinations.
The movement has gained significant public attention after a series of examination-related controversies sparked widespread frustration among students and parents across the country.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government remains committed to addressing public concerns. In a statement, he acknowledged the need for accountability and reforms, adding that the government is working to improve the examination system and restore public confidence.
Violence erupted during protests in New Delhi after clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds after some protesters allegedly threw stones at officers.
According to police, at least 60 civilians and 118 security personnel were injured during the unrest. Authorities said the situation was later brought under control, although security remained on high alert in several parts of the capital.
Demonstrations also spread to other major cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru, where hundreds of people gathered in solidarity with the student movement.
On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters remained camped at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site, vowing to continue their campaign until their demands are met. The CJP said it would maintain pressure on the government and continue nationwide demonstrations.
The protests have become one of the most significant public challenges faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government since his re-election in 2024.
Public anger has been fueled by repeated controversies surrounding India’s examination system. One of the biggest scandals involved the leak of a national medical entrance examination paper, forcing more than two million students to retake the test. Another dispute over the online evaluation of high school examinations further intensified criticism of the education system.
