Congress leaders detained amid protest over exam paper leaks.

Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi taken away after march to PM Modi’s Residence.

In one of the most turbulent political demonstrations in recent years, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge spearheaded a protest march in New Delhi on Tuesday, demanding accountability from the government over widespread exam paper leaks. The march began at the Congress President’s residence on Rajaji Marg and proceeded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence at Lok Kalyan Marg.

The protest, which drew hundreds of party workers and supporters, aimed to highlight what Congress described as the government’s failure to safeguard the future of students. Rahul Gandhi, seated on the road outside the Prime Minister’s residence, refused to move despite heavy police presence. He was eventually dragged away by security personnel, sustaining a nose injury in the process. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also detained and taken to Mandir Marg Police Station, where Sonia Gandhi later visited her. Both siblings were released around 9 pm after several hours in custody.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the PMO, attempted to mediate by speaking directly with Rahul Gandhi at the protest site. However, discussions broke down as Gandhi escalated his demands, insisting not only on a parliamentary debate over the leaks but also on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Singh later alleged that Gandhi had shifted his stance after initially agreeing to a discussion alone, making resolution impossible.

The police began dispersing the crowd around 6:40 pm, citing security concerns and accusing protesters of unruly behavior. Congress leaders, however, maintained that the demonstration was peaceful and intended to hold the government accountable for what they termed an “attack on students.”

Rahul Gandhi, in a social media post, declared that “an attack on students is an attack on every Indian family,” urging citizens to join the sit-in. He went further, demanding the resignations of both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of destroying the future of India’s youth.

The protest followed a violent march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) the previous day, where police used tear gas and batons against demonstrators. While authorities claimed protesters resorted to violence, student groups accused the government of brutality.

Tuesday’s events underscore the growing unrest over exam integrity and the political storm brewing around it, with Congress positioning itself as the voice of students demanding justice.