Students defy police crackdown, continue demanding education minister resignation
More than 100 students were injured when police used force against thousands of demonstrators marching on parliament. The protesters, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, continued their agitation despite the crackdown, maintaining their demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over exam paper leaks. Opposition leaders joined the students in their calls for accountability.
The demonstration centered on Parliament Street and Connaught Place, where security forces deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. The agitation stems from a two-month crisis involving compromised entrance examinations, including leaked papers and grading errors, which have been linked to over twenty student suicides.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in outside the prime minister's residence, urging public mobilization. Meanwhile, Abhijeet Dipke of the Cockroach Janta Party addressed remaining protesters at Jantar Mantar, vowing to persist until the education minister steps down.
The sustained student movement could further strain public trust in the government's handling of educational integrity. If the protests continue, they may galvanize broader youth participation across the country, potentially pressuring the ruling administration to address accountability gaps. The police response might also deepen political polarization, as opposition figures leverage the unrest to challenge the government's democratic credentials. Ultimately, the outcome could influence how future student-led agitations are treated in India.