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New Delhi: Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi were released several hours after being detained by Delhi Police during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence, according to Indian media reports.
According to Sangbad Pratidin, Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in outside the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday morning in support of protesters referred to in the original report as “cockroaches” (“arshola”). He had announced plans to continue the demonstration overnight before being taken into custody by police.
Rahul was released later from Chhatrasal Stadium, where he had been held. Priyanka Gandhi, who was detained separately and taken to Mandir Marg Police Station, was also released after several hours.
Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited Mandir Marg Police Station later in the evening before leaving.
Delhi Police also released around 70 other people detained following clashes between police and CJP supporters on Monday. Authorities filed six FIRs over allegations of damage to public property.
BJP president Nitin Nabin condemned the protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence, calling Rahul Gandhi’s conduct “unfortunate” and describing it as “a black day in the history of Indian politics.”
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also arrived at Jantar Mantar late at night to join the protest.
Earlier on Tuesday, Congress leaders and workers gathered outside the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge before marching toward the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also joined the march. Security was tightened around the area, with heavy police deployment and the Rapid Action Force on standby.
Protesters demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, raising slogans outside the residence. Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh visited the protest site and met Rahul Gandhi, but the Congress leader maintained his decision to continue the sit-in overnight despite the minister’s assurances.
A BJP source claimed Rahul Gandhi’s protest was politically motivated, alleging that he had “no real concern” over the issue and was repeatedly changing his demands for political gain.
The report also noted that Rahul Gandhi had earlier criticized the state of Indian democracy during a visit to the United States, alleging that key democratic institutions—including Parliament, the judiciary and the media—were under the influence of the ruling party and the RSS.
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader Somnath Bharti accused Rahul Gandhi of weakening the movement, claiming he was under pressure from the BJP. Bharti said that if Rahul genuinely wanted to support students and young people, he should have joined the protest at Jantar Mantar.
