Political tensions intensified in New Delhi on Tuesday, a day after the Cockroach Janta Party’s Chalo Sansad march witnessed clashes between protesters and police. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other Congress leaders were detained after gathering near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence.
The Opposition leaders raised slogans against the central government and condemned the police action against students during Monday’s demonstration. Congress leaders said they were seeking accountability for the treatment of protesters and demanding answers from the government over the issues raised during the march.
Security personnel stopped the leaders as they attempted to continue their protest near the highly secured Lok Kalyan Marg area. Police later detained several participants and transported them to different police stations in the national capital.
Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi arrived at Mandir Marg Police Station, where Priyanka Gandhi was being held following her detention. Her visit drew additional attention to the confrontation between the Opposition and the government as senior party leaders continued to demand the immediate release of those detained.
Priyanka Gandhi had joined Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition representatives during the demonstration near the Prime Minister’s residence. The leaders accused the government of attempting to silence political dissent and prevent them from raising questions about the police response to the student-led protest.
Congress workers also gathered near police stations and demanded information about the detained leaders. Authorities maintained a heavy police presence to prevent further demonstrations and avoid fresh confrontations.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh earlier met Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders in an effort to defuse the situation. However, the discussions failed to produce an agreement, following which police moved in and detained those continuing the protest.
The failed talks highlighted the widening political divide over the Chalo Sansad march and the police handling of the demonstration. Opposition parties demanded an investigation into the clashes and action against officers accused of using excessive force.
Government representatives, meanwhile, appealed for calm and maintained that restrictions around sensitive government locations had to be enforced. The administration also continued to monitor gatherings across central Delhi as political workers remained active in several areas.
Political leaders from both the government and the Opposition visited people injured during Monday’s clashes. Union Health Minister JP Nadda went to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital to review the condition of those receiving treatment.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi also visited injured students at RML Hospital before Tuesday’s protest. They spoke with the students and their families and criticised the police action during the Chalo Sansad march.
Security remains heightened across the national capital, particularly around Parliament, government offices, political residences and police stations. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as the Opposition prepares its next political response and demands accountability over the treatment of student protesters.
