Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign amid ongoing protests sparked by a police crackdown on student demonstrators demanding education reforms. The protests represent one of the most significant challenges to Modi’s government since he secured a third term in 2024.
On Tuesday, Gandhi led a march by Congress party members toward Modi’s residence in New Delhi, where he later participated in a sit-in protest. Police subsequently detained Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi, and other opposition figures, with reports of forceful removal from the protest site. Congress leaders criticized the authorities’ treatment of their members, describing actions toward Priyanka Gandhi as "rude" and accusing security forces of suppressing peaceful dissent. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheeshan also joined the protest, expressing solidarity with the demonstrators and condemning the police actions against students.
The unrest was triggered by a major rally on Monday in central Delhi, where thousands gathered to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and call for broader reforms to the education system. The protests were organized and amplified by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a social media-driven movement that has rapidly gained a large following since its inception in May. The CJP has positioned itself as a significant opposition force against Modi’s Hindu-nationalist government.
Clashes between police and protesters escalated, with authorities firing tear gas and using batons against demonstrators, who reportedly responded by throwing stones. Delhi Police reported that 60 protesters and 118 police personnel were injured in the confrontations. Protest organizers accused the police of heavy-handed tactics and expressed outrage over the treatment of students, labeling Monday a "shameful day" for Indian democracy.
Despite the violence, the protesters remained camped at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar site Tuesday, reiterating their demand for the education minister’s resignation. CJP spokesman Ashutosh Ranka stressed that the movement would continue to press its agenda, emphasizing that protesters would not be silenced. “We won’t stop. Pradhan has to be sacked,” Ranka said, while CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke encouraged participants to stay resilient in the face of government pressure.
The opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, accused the government of evading accountability and refusing to engage in parliamentary debate over the incident. Parliament was adjourned on Tuesday after opposition members called for discussion on the alleged police brutality against students.
The protests and political turmoil occur amid ongoing economic and social challenges in India, where significant portions of the population still face difficulties securing stable employment despite the country’s rapid growth. This broader context has fueled growing dissatisfaction among young people, who view education reform as vital to their future prospects.