Demonstrators vow to continue campaign over examination controversy and minister’s resignation
NEW DELHI: Student-led protests intensified in India’s capital on Tuesday after a police crackdown on demonstrators demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan left more than 100 people injured, according to protest organisers and media reports.
Large crowds gathered near Parliament Street and Connaught Place after days of demonstrations over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations, including reported paper leaks and grading errors. Protesters accuse the government of failing to ensure accountability following controversies that affected millions of students.
Authorities used tear gas to disperse demonstrators attempting to march towards Parliament, while police later registered several criminal cases related to violence, vandalism and stone-throwing during the protests.
Movement promises further demonstrations
The protests have been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a political pressure group that has also supported activist Sonam Wangchuk’s campaign seeking the education minister’s resignation.
CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke said demonstrations would continue despite the police action and warned of further mobilisation if the group’s demands remained unmet. Protesters are also calling for Wangchuk’s release from a government-run hospital, where he has remained after authorities removed him from an earlier hunger strike.
Meanwhile, Indian Health Minister JP Nadda confirmed meeting representatives of the movement and urged protesters to end their sit-in. However, CJP representatives described the talks as unproductive.
Political debate deepens
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not publicly addressed the demonstrations, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi joined lawmakers outside the prime minister’s residence in support of the protesters.
Political analysts say the movement reflects growing frustration among young people over examination reforms and government accountability. However, they also note that organisers face significant challenges in maintaining momentum and achieving policy changes.
The Delhi Police have not publicly responded to allegations of excessive force made by protesters. Meanwhile, demonstrations continued at Jantar Mantar, where participants pledged to sustain their campaign through peaceful protests while demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms to India’s examination system.
