Priyanka Gandhi Slams Police Action as Student Protests Rock New Delhi

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday criticised the Indian government over police action against protesting students, accusing the Centre of refusing to address concerns over the country's education policy while responding with force.

"We are all asking for a discussion. There are problems and major issues with the education policy. Yet, you are unwilling to discuss it; instead, you are using tear gas on the students and beating them up. For what? They are our children," Priyanka Gandhi said.

Thousands of students and protesters gathered in central New Delhi as demonstrations over examination paper leaks intensified, with the protests also drawing momentum from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike.

Police used tear gas and carried out lathi-charges after protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, leading to clashes in several parts of the capital.

According to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), its founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained by Delhi Police during the protests.

Demonstrators, including some wearing school uniforms, moved through central Delhi's streets in an attempt to reach the Parliament complex despite heightened security, causing major disruptions across the city.

The protests have intensified pressure on the government to address allegations of examination paper leaks and wider concerns over India's education system.