Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge organized a surprise protest at the Prime Minister's residence, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over NEET exam irregularities and the Prime Minister and Home Minister concerning student protests. The protest, which was kept secret from most party MPs, escalated when police forcibly removed and detained the opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, who alleged a crackdown on democracy. The detained leaders were later released and vowed to continue their demonstrations.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge organized a surprise protest at the Prime Minister's residence, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over NEET exam irregularities and the Prime Minister and Home Minister concerning student protests. The protest, which was kept secret from most party MPs, escalated when police forcibly removed and detained the opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, who alleged a crackdown on democracy. The detained leaders were later released and vowed to continue their demonstrations.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge organized a surprise protest at the Prime Minister's residence, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over NEET exam irregularities and the Prime Minister and Home Minister concerning student protests. The protest, which was kept secret from most party MPs, escalated when police forcibly removed and detained the opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, who alleged a crackdown on democracy. The detained leaders were later released and vowed to continue their demonstrations.

When Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led a dharna outside the PM's residence on Tuesday afternoon, it was not just the Centre and the security apparatus in the national capital that was shocked. Many Congress MPs did not know about the plans of party's top brass.

According to party sources, the Congress leadership feared that without ensuring secrecy, the road towards PM's residence would have been blockaded.

After both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned on Tuesday, all Congress MPs were informed that they should arrive at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on 10 Rajaji Marg to wish him on his birthday. However, when they reached the residence, senior leaders asked them to follow Rahul and Priyanka towards 7, Lok Kalyan Marg gate, which is located just 500 metres from Kharge's residence.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar were also among senior leaders accompanying Rahul. Most MPs, however, were oblivious about the plan. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav also joined the Congress leaders.

Soon, the opposition leaders staged a sit-in at one of the gates of the PM''s residence. Caught unaware, the government rushed Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh along with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan to the spot. They urged Rahul and others to end their dharna and vacate the area. The minister also assured the Opposition Leader that it was ready to discuss all issues related to NEET in Parliament.

However, Rahul demanded that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must step down over alleged NEET exam irregularities while also called for the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over lathi-charge on students protesting at Jantar Mantar and marching towards Parliament.

With the talks remaining inconclusive and the Congress leaders continuing the protest, the Delhi Police and the Rapid Police Force forcibly removed the MPs and senior leaders. Some of them were dragged through the road and forced into vehicles. Rahul was injured in the face when security personnel detained him.

"Democracy in India is happening right now," Gandhi said as the police tried to forcibly remove him from the site.

There were also dramatic scenes with Priyanka Gandhi hanging on the door of the police bus even after it started moving.

By Tuesday night, senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi arrived at the Mandir Marg police station where her daughter Priyanka was detained along with other party leaders. While Rahul Gandhi and some other leaders were taken to Chhatrasal Stadium in Model Town, other Congress leaders were moved to Kingsway Camp police station.

All the leaders were released around three hours later. 

Congress leaders said they will continue the protest, including at the Parliament until their demands are accepted.

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