India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has publicly accused the Congress party of orchestrating student protests, labeling their actions as "manufacturing confrontation." His remarks come amidst escalating demonstrations in the national capital and persistent calls for his resignation.
The protests, which have drawn significant attention, saw prominent opposition figures, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Akhilesh Yadav, stage a dharna outside the Prime Minister's residence. These leaders were later forcibly removed by police from the site.
Pradhan Alleges Political Exploitation of Students
Minister Pradhan asserted that the Congress and its leaders were exploiting students as "political tools" to create disruption during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. He criticized their choice to protest outside the Prime Minister's residence, citing public inconvenience and disregard for security protocols.
"Their objective was never solutions for students, it was disruption for political headlines. For Rahul Gandhi, this is not about students. This is about manufacturing confrontation after every genuine avenue for discussion has been opened," Pradhan stated, adding that the government is fully committed to discussing NEET-related concerns and addressing youth issues in Parliament.
He emphasized that Indian students deserve "certainty over chaos, solutions over slogans and responsibility over disruption," promising that the government remains committed to delivering answers, reforms, and accountability.
Opposition Demands Resignation and Apology
Following his detention and release, Rahul Gandhi countered Pradhan's claims, stating that the protest aimed to highlight critical student issues and the alleged police aggression against demonstrators. Gandhi demanded the resignations of both Education Minister Pradhan and Home Minister Amit Shah.
He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologize to the nation's students for the government's actions and to implement immediate reforms in the examination system.
Police Register FIRs Amidst Investigation
Meanwhile, Delhi Police have registered six First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with alleged violence and vandalism during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and various farmers' groups on July 20. Investigators are actively probing a potential larger criminal conspiracy behind the unrest.
The FIRs detail accusations of unlawful assembly, disruption of public order, obstruction of government officials, violence, and damage to public property, including police vehicles. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, drone visuals, and social media content to identify those involved. Security has been heightened across Delhi following clashes that reportedly injured over 118 police personnel and damaged more than 20 police vehicles.