Woman stands in front of Mumbai Police vehicle during CJP protest, video goes viral

Students and youths in Bengaluru celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday, marking a symbolic victory in their ongoing campaign for education reform. Gathered at Freedom Park, they cheered and raised slogans criticizing the Union government, asserting that their movement for transparency and systemic change was far from over. The event, organized by the All India Students’ Association, saw participants expressing hope that the resignation signaled a turning point in their struggle. Senior medical professional Ramesh Bellamkonda emphasized that the minister’s exit represented a small victory in a larger fight, urging continued pressure on authorities for meaningful reforms. Demonstrators like Ashutosh and Anahita echoed similar sentiments, stating that the protests had demonstrated the power of youth voices and that the government could no longer ignore their demands. The protests originated from concerns over the alleged leakage of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper, which sparked widespread anger among students and educators. What began as a localized demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over a month ago evolved into a nationwide movement, drawing participation from student unions, civil society groups, and political parties. In Chennai, protests focused on abolishing NEET, with the Cockroach Janta Party-Tamil Nadu and the All India Student Federation (AISF) organizing rallies alongside the Neelam Student Movement. In Kerala, the Student Federation of India (SFI) led marches that turned confrontational, prompting police intervention with water cannons and tear gas. Across Andhra Pradesh, the “Chalo Lok Bhavan” protests grew tense as police disrupted planned demonstrations, leading organizers to vow continued resistance until the Education Minister resigned. In Uttar Pradesh, clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement, particularly in Lucknow where Bhim Army activists attempted to march toward the Governor’s residence. In Prayagraj, the Sanyukt Chhatra Manch staged a march that briefly escalated into a confrontation with police. Similar unrest unfolded in states like Madhya Pradesh, where students, teachers, and parents joined the cause, resulting in heavy police presence. In Karnataka, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA) supported the Delhi protests, gathering in Bengaluru to voice their frustrations. The movement also spread to the northeastern states, with students in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram participating in coordinated demonstrations under the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Meanwhile, the BJP in Assam organized counter-protests against the Congress-led sit-ins near the Prime Minister’s residence in Delhi. In Bihar, the situation remained volatile, with police lodging numerous cases against over 600 protesters accused of damaging public property. More than 40 students were detained in Patna, and security forces used batons against stone-pelters in Katihar and Begusarai. Protests also occurred in Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, and other districts, with AISA and AIPWA providing support to those arrested in Delhi. In Haryana, activists from the Jan Sangharsh Manch and the Students’ Organisation for Socialist Democracy marched in Kurukshetra, joining forces with local Khap Panchayat leaders. These developments underscored the growing scale and intensity of the protests, which spanned multiple regions and involved diverse groups advocating for educational justice. In Mumbai, the protests took on a dramatic turn as a young woman named Rhiya Ahir stood defiantly in front of a police van during heavy rain, challenging the authorities’ handling of the demonstrations. Her act, captured on video and widely shared on social media, became a powerful symbol of resistance. Rhiya, an actor, model, and entrepreneur with a substantial online following, questioned the government’s response to the alleged police crackdown in Delhi. She argued that the authorities should take responsibility for their actions and urged accountability. Other clips from the protests showed demonstrators helping children board a school bus, highlighting the broader societal impact of the movement. Despite police-imposed prohibitory orders restricting gatherings, the protests persisted, with participants defying restrictions and continuing to demand transparency and reform. As the protests continue to gain momentum, the focus remains on holding the government accountable for its handling of the NEET controversy and ensuring that educational policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the youth. With demonstrations unfolding across multiple states and involving a wide range of stakeholders, the movement appears poised to influence policy changes and spark further debate on the future of education in India.