Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was arrested on Tuesday after leading a protest march toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence in New Delhi. The demonstration was part of a growing campaign against the government’s handling of student protests demanding reforms in India’s education system.
According to Indian media reports, Delhi Police stopped the march before it reached the prime minister’s residence. Officers detained Rahul Gandhi, his sister and Congress lawmaker Priyanka Gandhi, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav during the protest.
The Congress party organized the march to highlight concerns over the government’s response to ongoing student demonstrations. Protesters have accused the authorities of using force against peaceful gatherings instead of addressing the demands for education reforms.
Before his arrest, Rahul Gandhi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign. He alleged that the government had failed the country’s youth by ignoring their concerns and responding harshly to peaceful protests.
In a message posted on social media before his detention, Gandhi said the prime minister should step down for “destroying the future of India’s youth.” His statement quickly gained attention as the protest unfolded in the national capital.
Television footage showed police officers attempting to remove Gandhi from the protest site. Witnesses said he briefly resisted being taken into custody before officers escorted him away. Reports also claimed he suffered minor injuries during the confrontation with police.
Speaking to journalists shortly before his arrest, Gandhi criticized the government for refusing to accept responsibility for the unrest. He also accused the administration of avoiding a parliamentary debate on the issue.
The latest developments came one day after violent clashes in central New Delhi. Security forces dispersed demonstrators protesting alleged irregularities in India’s education system. Police said dozens of people were injured during Monday’s unrest.
The protests have been driven by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), an online movement launched in May. The campaign has quickly attracted nationwide support. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and calling for major reforms to the country’s examination and education system.
Despite the arrests of opposition leaders, CJP organizers said their movement would continue. They urged supporters to remain peaceful while maintaining pressure on the government to address their demands.
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The demonstrations have become one of the biggest public challenges faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration since he began his third term in office in 2024. Political observers believe the protests could remain a major issue in the coming weeks as calls for accountability and education reforms continue across India.
