Indian police briefly detained Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday as he staged a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence and demanding accountability over an education crisis. Gandhi accused Modi's government of "destroying the future of India's youth." His sister Priyanka Gandhi was also detained but later released.
The protest coincided with a larger movement led by the newly formed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) a youth-driven group that began as online satire but has grown into the biggest challenge to Modi since 2014. The CJP is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam-leak scandals, including a medical entrance test breach affecting nearly 2 million students with linked to several student suicides.
On Monday, tens of thousands rallied in Delhi police used tear gas and batons and injuring dozens on both sides. Organizers say police brutality was far worse than officially acknowledged, with one woman reportedly in intensive care.
Facing mounting pressure, Modi and Pradhan broke their silence this week. Pradhan pledged reforms and accountability, while Modi vowed to punish those responsible for exam leaks and improve exam security. Health Minister J.P. Nadda also met CJP leaders to discuss their demands.
Gandhi called for parliamentary debate on the issue and urged Modi to apologize for the police crackdown. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged protesters to stay resolute, while activist Sonam Wangchuk on hunger strike since June 28, remains hospitalized after a court-ordered transfer.
The unrest reflects deepening youth frustration over unemployment and exam fairness and education costs now becoming Modi's biggest political test since losing his parliamentary majority in 2024.
