Rahul and Priyanka Released Hours After Detention

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi have been released hours after being detained for participating in a protest near Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence over question paper leaks and student welfare issues.

On Tuesday, July 21, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and top Congress leaders began a march from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in New Delhi toward the Prime Minister's official residence.

The demonstrators demanded accountability for question paper leaks and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

When the march approached the Prime Minister's residence, security forces blocked their advance. Police subsequently dispersed the protesters and detained several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Photographs and videos published in Indian media showed Rahul Gandhi being escorted away by police personnel.

Following their detention, Rahul Gandhi was taken to Chhatrasal Stadium, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was taken to Mandir Marg Police Station.

Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi later visited Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at the station, and both Gandhi siblings were released around 9:00 PM.

Following his release, Rahul Gandhi called for swift reforms in the education system and thanked those supporting the movement against question paper leaks.

In a message shared on social media prior to the protest, Rahul Gandhi stated that injustice against students is an injustice against every family in the country. He added that the movement will continue until students' fair rights and accountability are ensured.

During the protest, Minister of State Jitendra Singh held discussions with Congress leaders.

However, Congress stated that because no compromise was reached regarding a parliamentary discussion on the question paper leak issue and the resignation of the Education Minister, they decided to continue their sit-in protest.

On the other hand, Jitendra Singh claimed that Rahul Gandhi had initially indicated that Congress would call off the protest if the matter was discussed in parliament, but later added the demand for the Education Minister's resignation.

Earlier on Monday, students and youth also held protests in the capital city of New Delhi to protest the question paper leaks. Clashes with police occurred during that program, and protesters claimed several people were injured.

The allegations of question paper leaks and the nationwide protests surrounding them have sparked a fresh political debate over the Indian education system and the government's role.