Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was detained during a protest over education issues, while Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan joined opposition leaders demanding accountability and reforms.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was detained during a protest over education reforms, as opposition leaders accused the government of failing to address examination controversies and police action against student demonstrators.
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was detained on Tuesday while leading a protest march toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in New Delhi.
The demonstration, joined by senior Congress leaders including Priyanka Gandhi, called for accountability over recent examination controversies and demanded reforms to India’s education system.
Congress alleged that Rahul Gandhi was forcibly removed from the protest site, while Priyanka Gandhi was pushed into a police vehicle during the operation.
Opposition Demands Accountability
Addressing supporters before being detained, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of refusing to take responsibility for the ongoing education crisis.
He said the government had avoided debate in Parliament over the issue and called on Prime Minister Modi to resign, alleging that the administration had failed India’s youth.
The protest followed widespread demonstrations demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after recent examination controversies sparked nationwide outrage.
Kerala Leaders Join the Demonstration
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan also joined the protest, expressing support for students and opposition leaders.
He said he was deeply disturbed by reports of police action against peaceful demonstrators and stood in solidarity with those demanding education reforms.
Protest Follows Violent Clashes
The demonstration came a day after large-scale protests in central Delhi turned violent.
According to Delhi Police, 60 protesters and 118 police personnel were injured during clashes on Monday after demonstrators attempted to march toward Parliament.
Authorities said protesters threw stones, prompting security personnel to use tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd.
Protest organizers disputed the police response, alleging that hundreds of peaceful demonstrators were injured during the operation.
Student Movement Continues
The protests were organized following appeals by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement campaigning for education reforms and greater accountability after recent examination controversies.
Although the number of demonstrators at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar was smaller on Tuesday, organizers said the movement would continue until their demands were addressed.
CJP leaders reiterated calls for the removal of the education minister and broader reforms to India’s examination system.
Parliament Sees Opposition Protests
The issue also disrupted proceedings in Parliament.
Opposition members demanded an immediate discussion on the police response to student protests, leading to the adjournment of parliamentary proceedings.
Lawmakers argued that concerns over examination integrity and the treatment of student protesters required urgent debate.
Government Defends Its Response
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government’s handling of the examination controversies.
He said authorities had acted quickly after the alleged paper leaks by arresting multiple suspects and implementing measures aimed at preventing future irregularities.
According to Rijiju, Prime Minister Modi has directed officials to establish a more robust and transparent examination system.
The Prime Minister has not publicly commented on the protests.
Education Controversies Fuel Public Anger
The demonstrations follow months of growing public concern over India’s examination system.
Recent controversies surrounding the NEET medical entrance examination and issues related to CBSE assessments have raised questions about transparency, examination security, and administrative oversight.
For many students, the protests have become about more than individual examination scandals. They now represent broader demands for accountability, fairness, and confidence in India’s education system.
As demonstrations continue and political pressure builds, the issue is expected to remain a major point of debate during the ongoing Parliament session.
Source: Khaleej Times
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