India opposition leader Rahul Gandhi released after protest detention

India's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was released after being detained during protests in New Delhi, which have escalated into one of the most significant challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The demonstrations, spearheaded by the social media-fueled Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and broader reforms to the examination system.

Gandhi staged a sit-in protest on Tuesday, accusing the government of ignoring students' concerns and condemning a police crackdown on earlier demonstrations. Pradhan, facing mounting pressure over examination controversies, stated late Tuesday that the government is committed to reform. "We owe them (students) answers, reforms and accountability. That is exactly what our government remains committed to delivering," he said in a social media post.

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We owe them (students) answers, reforms and accountability. That is exactly what our government remains committed to delivering.

The protests turned violent when demonstrators hurled stones at security forces, who responded with tear gas and batons. Police reported 60 civilian injuries and 118 police personnel injured in the capital's largest demonstrations in five years. Similar protests occurred in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The CJP, which has gained millions of social media followers since its May launch, has presented a formidable challenge to Modi, who secured a third term in 2024. The unrest follows a series of controversies, including a leak in a medical entrance examination that forced over two million candidates to retake the test, and disputes over online marking systems.

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Cockroaches are alive.