New Delhi | A major political confrontation unfolded in New Delhi after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and several other senior party leaders staged a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged police action against protesting students.
The protest led to the detention of several Congress leaders by the Delhi Police, who later released them the same night after several hours of custody.
Congress Leaders March Toward Prime Minister’s Residence
The protest was led by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K.C. Venugopal, Pawan Khera, and other senior Congress leaders.
The party organized the march to protest what it described as the “brutal treatment” of students during recent demonstrations and to demand accountability from the government.
According to Congress leaders, their primary demands included:
- Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
- A discussion in Parliament on the student issue
- Justice for students allegedly injured during protests
- Reforms in India’s education system
Delhi Police Detain Congress Leaders
As the Congress delegation approached the Prime Minister’s residence, Delhi Police intervened and detained several leaders after they reportedly refused to leave the protest site.
According to officials:
- Rahul Gandhi was taken to Chhatrasal Stadium.
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other Congress leaders were taken to Mandir Marg Police Station.
- Other party workers and leaders were also detained at various locations.
All detained leaders were later released by the police.
Sonia Gandhi Visits Police Station
Following the detention of senior Congress leaders, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrived at Mandir Marg Police Station to meet Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other detained party members.
Large numbers of Congress workers gathered outside the police station, expressing solidarity with the detained leaders.
Priyanka Gandhi Calls for Education Reforms
After her release, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed the media, emphasizing that students’ concerns deserve serious attention.
She stated that raising the voice of young people is the responsibility of elected representatives and argued that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right.
According to Priyanka Gandhi, the government should:
- Improve India’s education system
- Listen to students’ concerns
- Hold a parliamentary discussion on the issue
- Seek accountability from the Education Ministry
She also questioned the government’s spending priorities, comparing expenditure on education with loan-related financial decisions, and called for greater investment in the country’s education sector.
Congress Alleges Democratic Rights Are Being Curtailed
Congress leaders alleged that the Opposition is not being allowed adequate opportunities to raise important public issues inside Parliament.
Priyanka Gandhi claimed that the party had sought permission to protest but was denied, prompting the demonstration near the Prime Minister’s residence.
The Congress maintained that the protest was intended to draw attention to the concerns of students and the condition of India’s education system.
Shashi Tharoor and Other Leaders Condemn Detentions
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor visited Mandir Marg Police Station late at night and criticized the detention of Opposition leaders.
He stated that public representatives must be allowed to raise citizens’ concerns in a democratic system.
Congress leader K.C. Venugopal also criticized the government’s handling of the protest, accusing it of suppressing democratic dissent.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who was also detained during the protest, described the police action as unjustified.
Congress Alleges Misconduct Toward Priyanka Gandhi
The Congress Party also alleged that male police personnel behaved inappropriately while detaining Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
In a statement posted on social media, the party questioned why female police personnel were not deployed during the detention of a woman Member of Parliament and accused the authorities of violating established procedures and democratic norms.
At the time of reporting, the authorities had not publicly responded to these specific allegations.
Rahul Gandhi Demands Accountability
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi stated on social media that the march was organized to seek answers regarding the alleged police action against students.
He accused the government of avoiding responsibility and refusing to allow a debate in Parliament on the issue.
Rahul Gandhi reiterated the Congress Party’s demand for accountability and called for action from the Union Government regarding the student protests.
Congress Legal Team to Assist Protesters
The Congress Party announced that its legal team has been instructed to provide legal assistance to students and protesters who were allegedly detained, arrested, or injured during the ongoing demonstrations.
The party said it would continue supporting affected students through legal and organizational channels.
Rahul and Priyanka Meet Injured Students
Following their release, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in New Delhi, where they met students reportedly injured during recent protests.
The leaders interacted with the injured students and assured them of the Congress Party’s continued support.
Political Tensions Continue
The protest has further intensified the political confrontation between the Congress Party and the Central Government over issues related to education policy, student protests, and the functioning of Parliament.
While the Opposition continues to demand a parliamentary discussion and the resignation of the Union Education Minister, the government has yet to issue a detailed response to the Congress Party’s latest allegations.
The developments are expected to remain a major political issue as Parliament continues its ongoing session.
