‘End Callous Disregard of Students, Open Dialogue With Protesters’: Academics, Public Figures Write Open Letter to Modi

Telangana Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar condemned the use of batons by police against students and youth who marched toward Parliament in New Delhi on Monday, July 20, 2026. The protest, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was aimed at pressuring the central government to resign the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). According to reports, law enforcement officers used force against demonstrators, leading to widespread condemnation from political figures and civil society. The protest began in the afternoon hours, with hundreds of students and activists gathering near the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Delhi. They marched toward the Parliament complex, carrying placards demanding accountability from the education ministry and greater transparency in the NEET process. The CJP, known for its grassroots activism, had previously called for nationwide demonstrations over the perceived unfairness in university admissions. During the march, police reportedly deployed baton charges, resulting in injuries among participants. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with some protesters being detained on the spot. Ponnam Prabhakar, speaking through a public statement, criticized the use of force against peaceful demonstrators. He accused the central government of ignoring the legitimate grievances of students and instead responding with violence. “Students are merely expressing their concerns about their future,” he said. “They are not asking for anything unreasonable, yet they have been met with hostility.” The minister also highlighted the stress caused by irregularities in the NEET exam, which has affected thousands of aspiring medical professionals and their families. Prabhakar further demanded the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, questioning the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his apparent lack of response to the protests. He called for the withdrawal of legal cases filed against the student leaders and urged authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. “Those responsible for the lathi charge must be held accountable,” he added. “We need clear mechanisms to ensure fairness and transparency in all entrance exams.” Academic circles and public intellectuals have also expressed concern over the situation. A group of academics and public figures wrote an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Modi, urging him to engage directly with the protesters rather than dismissing their demands. The letter emphasized the importance of dialogue and the need to address systemic issues within the education sector. It warned that continued disregard for student voices could lead to deeper unrest and loss of trust in democratic institutions. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident but did not provide detailed information on the number of injured or the exact circumstances of the confrontation. Some local media outlets reported that the police claimed the use of batons was necessary to disperse the crowd, citing security concerns. However, these claims were disputed by eyewitnesses and activist groups, who argued that the force used was excessive and unnecessary. As the situation unfolds, there is growing pressure on the government to respond transparently to the allegations. Civil rights organizations have begun collecting testimonies from affected individuals, while legal experts are preparing to file petitions challenging the legality of the police actions. The broader debate continues to highlight tensions between state authority and the right to peaceful assembly, with calls for reforms in how educational policies are implemented and enforced.