New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was released on Tuesday night after being detained during the Congress protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence. He had been taken to Chhatrasal Stadium, while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was taken to Mandir Marg police station. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi later visited Priyanka at the police station before both leaders were released around 9 pm.
During his detention, Rahul Gandhi issued a video statement outlining five key demands. He called for the resignations of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, action against police personnel accused of assaulting students during Monday’s protest, withdrawal of cases registered against the students, an apology from the Prime Minister over the police crackdown, a discussion on the issue in Parliament, and urgent reforms in the education and examination system.
Raising concerns over the country’s education system, Gandhi questioned repeated examination paper leaks, rising education costs and the financial burden on families. He said these were legitimate issues that deserved national attention and reiterated that the Opposition wanted a discussion on the matter in both Houses of Parliament.
He also thanked students and supporters who participated in the protests, saying their movement was aimed at protecting the future of young people.
The ongoing confrontation has further widened the political divide over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, an issue that has affected lakhs of students across the country.
Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh criticised Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he had shifted his stand from demanding a parliamentary debate to insisting on the Education Minister’s resignation. Singh maintained that the government was prepared to discuss the NEET issue in Parliament.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also accused the Congress of politicising the issue, stating that the government had already expressed its willingness to hold a comprehensive discussion. He alleged that the Opposition was focusing on political confrontation rather than constructive solutions for students.
