Education – Opposition Leaders Intensify Questions Over Police Action During Student Protests
Education – Opposition leaders have continued to raise concerns over the handling of student demonstrations in the national capital, with fresh criticism directed at the Centre following recent police action during protests linked to the NEET-UG paper leak issue.
TMC Backs Students and Criticises Police Response
Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh has voiced strong support for students protesting in Delhi, saying his party has consistently opposed police action against demonstrators. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress have repeatedly objected to the way Delhi Police has dealt with students participating in public demonstrations.
He further alleged that whenever citizens demand justice, law enforcement agencies functioning under the Union Home Ministry respond by attempting to suppress public voices. Ghosh also claimed that similar measures have previously been taken against farmers during nationwide protests, questioning the government’s approach to handling peaceful dissent.
Rahul Gandhi Seeks Answers From Amit Shah
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi renewed his criticism of the Central Government by questioning Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police response during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march in Delhi.
Through a post on X, Gandhi asked whether the Home Minister had personally approved the reported use of pellet guns, tear gas, and other crowd-control measures against students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. He also questioned the role of individuals dressed in plain clothes who were allegedly seen using force against demonstrators, asking who had authorised their deployment.
Student Injury Becomes Centre of Debate
In his remarks, Gandhi referred to the case of 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who was reportedly injured after being struck by pellets during the protest. According to Gandhi, the student’s injury could result in the loss of an eye.
The Congress leader argued that the demonstrators were seeking accountability over examination-related concerns and demanding a fair academic future. He maintained that peaceful protests should not be met with excessive force and urged the government to explain the circumstances surrounding the police action.
Letter Raises Questions Over Security Measures
Apart from his public statement, Gandhi also addressed a letter to Amit Shah, alleging that security personnel used indiscriminate force while dispersing student protesters. He claimed that women participants were also subjected to assault during the operation.
Describing the incident as deeply disturbing, Gandhi sought clarification on who authorised the use of force against students and called for accountability regarding the decisions taken during the protest.
Protests Follow Growing Anger Over Examination Issue
The demonstrations have continued for several weeks and were led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Public attention toward the movement increased after activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of the demands raised by protesters.
Tensions escalated during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march when protesters attempted to move toward Parliament. Reports indicated that police used tear gas and carried out lathi charges to disperse the crowd after the situation intensified.
Education Ministry Witnesses Leadership Change
The political developments have coincided with changes in the Union Education Ministry. Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped down from the position of Union Education Minister, while Pralhad Joshi assumed charge of the ministry on Sunday.
The change in leadership comes at a time when concerns surrounding examination transparency, student protests, and law enforcement’s handling of demonstrations continue to remain at the centre of political debate, with opposition parties demanding greater accountability from the government.