New Delhi: Gitanjali Angmo, founder and CEO of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) and wife of education activist Sonam Wangchuk, on Friday said that describing India as "secular" in the Constitution is "like calling water wet", arguing that the country's civilisational ethos had long embraced religious pluralism even before the term was added to the Preamble. In a post on X, Angmo said India had practised equal respect for all faiths long before the word "secular" was inserted into the Constitution in 1976. She described the addition as a "tautology", suggesting it merely stated what she believes was already embedded in India's constitutional framework and social traditions. Referring to constitutional provisions, she argued that the country's commitment to religious freedom and equality was evident through various Articles that protect citizens' rights regardless of religion. According to Angmo, India's traditional philosophy is better represented by the idea of Sarva Dharma Sambhava, or equal respect for all religions, rather than the Western understanding of secularism.

In her post, Angmo said the concept of secularism originated in Europe as a response to conflicts between the Church and the State and therefore did not accurately reflect India's historical experience. She wrote that India's approach to religious diversity was rooted in values such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which promotes the idea that the world is one family. She argued that the country has historically accommodated multiple religions, philosophies and belief systems while respecting the dignity of different paths. Angmo maintained that India's constitutional and cultural traditions already reflected these principles, making the later addition of the word "secular" to the Preamble unnecessary in her view. Her remarks have come amid an ongoing public debate on constitutional values and national identity, with discussions around the meaning and interpretation of secularism continuing in political and academic circles.

Angmo has remained active in public discussions in recent weeks, particularly during the nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. She had joined demonstrations alongside her husband, Sonam Wangchuk, after he was removed from the Jantar Mantar protest site by Delhi Police ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's Parliament march. She also questioned the Congress party's decision to stage a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence instead of joining students at Jantar Mantar, saying political leaders should stand with protesters where the movement was taking place. Angmo had further remarked that Wangchuk's public image should not be used for political symbolism and said people were capable of distinguishing between genuine support and symbolic gestures. Meanwhile, Wangchuk has returned to Ladakh after ending his indefinite hunger strike over examination-related issues and receiving medical treatment in Gurugram. He travelled back through Jammu and Kashmir after completing his journey on a Vande Bharat train.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against protesters during the July 20 Parliament march, alleging that the crackdown could not have taken place without instructions from the home minister. Speaking to journalists in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dipke said he agreed with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had made similar allegations a day earlier and sought Shah’s resignation. Dipke alleged that students protesting against examination irregularities were attacked and injured during the march and claimed responsibility for the action ultimately rested with the home ministry. His remarks come amid an intensifying political row over the handling of the July 20 demonstration and allegations of excessive force by security personnel. The allegations against Shah remain claims made by Dipke and Gandhi, and the material provided does not establish that the home minister personally ordered the police action.

Dipke also rejected allegations that the CJP received foreign funding, turning the charge back on the government. He argued that if an organisation was actually receiving foreign funds while Shah headed the home ministry, it would represent a failure of the ministry itself. The CJP founder went further, making serious allegations about the violence reported during the July 20 protest. He claimed Delhi Police had orchestrated stone-pelting to create grounds for action against demonstrators. According to Dipke, a truck carrying stones and a damaged vehicle were brought to the Jantar Mantar protest site to create the impression that police action had followed violence by protesters. He alleged that people associated with the BJP threw stones while students were subsequently blamed. These claims have not been established as fact in the information provided. Dipke also alleged that he and his family had previously received threats intended to pressure him into joining the BJP. He claimed his parents were threatened and that the family was told he should join the party or face consequences. The BJP has denied allegations that Dipke or members of his family were threatened.

BJP leader Keshav Upadhye hit back at Dipke, accusing him of turning the student agitation into a political campaign. Upadhye argued that the BJP-led government had responded to protesters’ demands by bringing legislation against paper leaks and accepting the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He said Dipke should have acknowledged those developments instead of engaging in politics and suggested that he join the Congress if he wanted to follow Rahul Gandhi’s political line. The confrontation comes days after Pradhan resigned following weeks of protests over examination irregularities that repeatedly disrupted central Delhi and gave the Opposition a major issue to target the government. His resignation followed large demonstrations in which students crossed police barricades during protests that became among the most significant street agitations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. Since the July 20 Parliament march, security forces have faced allegations of using excessive force while dispersing demonstrators. Dipke’s decision to echo Rahul Gandhi’s demand for Amit Shah’s resignation has now pushed the controversy further into the political arena, with the CJP and Opposition questioning accountability for the police action while the BJP rejects the allegations and accuses Dipke of pursuing a political agenda.

A fresh political controversy erupted on Wednesday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of authorising the use of force against students during the July 20 protest in Delhi. The remarks, made during the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, drew strong objections from the treasury benches and prompted an immediate response from the government. Gandhi alleged that the home minister had "ordered the students of India to be shot" and claimed that only the Prime Minister or the Home Minister could authorise such action. Referring to the alleged use of pellet guns during the protest, he argued that if Shah had not issued such an order, then he was unaware of what had happened on the ground. Gandhi also questioned the absence of the home minister from the House during the debate, saying he should answer the allegations.

The controversy gained further momentum after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das backed Rahul Gandhi's claims and demanded accountability from the Union Home Minister. In a post on X, Das said Gandhi's remarks raised "serious concerns" about Amit Shah's role in the July 20 police action and called for an explanation from the Centre. He alleged that a student had permanently lost vision because of the police crackdown and said every life was valuable, adding that the home minister must answer questions surrounding the incident. The CJP's statement came days after the party ended its month-long protest following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The student agitation over alleged examination irregularities has remained at the centre of political debate, with Opposition parties repeatedly accusing the government of using excessive force against demonstrators.

The BJP strongly rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations, calling them baseless and unsupported by evidence. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju interrupted Gandhi's speech and asked him to produce proof for his claims. "You said the Home Minister ordered firing. Show the order," Rijiju said, demanding that the Congress leader withdraw his remarks and apologise. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also reminded members that serious allegations against individuals cannot be made in the House without prior notice and supporting evidence. Speaking to reporters later, Rijiju said the government was upset because Rahul Gandhi had focused more on political accusations than on the provisions of the anti-paper leak bill. He also clarified that ministers do not issue orders for police firing and that such decisions fall within the authority of the magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate present at the spot.

The exchange has once again brought the July 20 protest under the political spotlight. Reports citing a Delhi Police station diary entry have claimed that pellet rounds were used during the protest on the orders of a senior police officer, adding another layer to the ongoing debate. However, responding in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Jitendra Singh rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations and asserted that no shots were fired during the protest. He said only tear gas had been used to control the situation and reiterated that orders to open fire, if ever required, are issued by the magistrate and not by a Union minister. With both sides standing by their positions, the controversy is expected to continue even after Parliament cleared the anti-paper leak bill, keeping the focus on the government's handling of the student protests as much as on the examination reforms themselves.

PATNA: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Thursday alleged that Bihar Police detained several of his supporters just hours before voting in the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, accusing the ruling BJP of using the police machinery because it feared losing the seat. Kishor, who is contesting the by-election, claimed that more than 16 people associated with his campaign had been picked up ahead of polling. He alleged that the action was taken at the behest of the BJP and questioned why his supporters were being detained at such a crucial stage of the election. The allegations surfaced on polling day, immediately adding a political controversy to the closely watched contest. According to the report, police officials had not immediately responded to Kishor’s allegations, meaning his claims about political pressure had not been independently established at the time.

Kishor linked the alleged police action directly to the electoral battle in Bankipur, claiming the BJP was nervous about the outcome and therefore targeting people working with his campaign. The Jan Suraaj leader has been attempting to expand his party’s political presence in Bihar and the Bankipur bypoll has emerged as an important test for the organisation. His decision to personally enter the contest has also increased attention around the seat. With polling underway, the alleged detention of campaign workers quickly became part of the political narrative surrounding the election. Kishor maintained that the action against his supporters was politically motivated and portrayed it as an attempt to weaken his organisation immediately before voters went to polling stations. The BJP, however, was accused by Kishor; the available report did not establish evidence showing that the party had directed Bihar Police to carry out the alleged detentions.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time as the Bankipur electorate votes to choose its representative, with political parties closely watching turnout and developments on the ground. Kishor’s allegation that his supporters were picked up shortly before voting is likely to keep the focus on the conduct of the administration as well as the political contest itself. For Jan Suraaj, the bypoll is significant because it provides another opportunity to measure the party’s support on the ground after Kishor’s transition from political strategist to active politician. Bankipur, located in Patna, has consequently become a closely watched battleground. The immediate question now is whether Bihar Police will provide a detailed explanation regarding the alleged detentions and the reasons behind them. Until such an official response emerges, the claim that the action was carried out under political pressure remains an allegation made by Kishor. With voting taking place amid the controversy, the final result will also show whether Jan Suraaj has been able to convert its campaign and Kishor’s personal political appeal into electoral support in the constituency.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has drawn a comparison between today's Gen Z and Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, arguing that young people should not be underestimated or dismissed because of the labels used against them. Speaking at a book launch event in Mumbai on Wednesday, Thackeray referred to the term “cockroaches” being used for sections of the younger generation amid the recent political debate around student protests. He said even Shivaji Maharaj had faced insulting descriptions from his opponents, referring to the Mughals calling him a “chuha”, or rat. Thackeray said the young people being described as “cockroaches” today largely belong to Generation Z, which he broadly placed between the ages of 13-14 and 27-28. Drawing a historical parallel, the former Maharashtra chief minister pointed out that Shivaji Maharaj was only around 17 when he captured Torna Fort, an early milestone in his political and military journey. He also referred to Sant Dnyaneshwar, saying he too was very young when he wrote the Dnyaneshwari despite facing considerable opposition during his lifetime.

Thackeray's remarks came at a time when Gen Z has increasingly entered India's political vocabulary following recent student protests and the debate surrounding examination reforms. His argument was that age should not become a reason to dismiss the political concerns or abilities of younger citizens. By invoking Shivaji Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar, Thackeray sought to underline that people who went on to have a major historical impact had themselves faced resistance and criticism while still young. The comments also fit into the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader's recent outreach towards young protesters. Over the past few days, Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray have publicly supported the student movement and participated in political messaging around the agitation. The use of “cockroach” as a political reference has meanwhile moved beyond protest sites and social media, finding its way into speeches and exchanges involving politicians from different parties.

The Gen Z language has also surfaced inside Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session, particularly during discussions surrounding the government's examination reform legislation and the NEET controversy. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, while supporting the proposed legislation, borrowed the popular Gen Z expression “clock it” to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to providing a legislative solution. On the Opposition side, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also brought Gen Z into her criticism of the Prime Minister's public outreach. She argued that changing camera angles in videos would not be enough to connect with young Indians and said the government instead needed to address what she described as injustice faced by the youth. Against this backdrop, Uddhav Thackeray's comparison with Shivaji Maharaj adds another dimension to the political battle over who speaks for India's younger generation. His message was essentially that young people who are mocked or dismissed today could still emerge as important agents of change, just as prominent historical figures faced opposition at a young age. With student issues continuing to dominate political debate, Gen Z and its language have now become part of the wider contest between the government and Opposition.

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received a warm welcome from BJP and NDA MPs as he arrived at Parliament on Tuesday, making his first public appearance since stepping down from the post. As he got out of his vehicle at the Parliament complex, several party leaders gathered around him, raising slogans of “Dharmendra Pradhan Zindabad.” Pradhan acknowledged the greetings with a smile and waved at the media before entering the premises. The show of support came just two days after he resigned as education minister amid nationwide criticism over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. In his resignation letter, Pradhan said his decision was driven by the interests of students and the need to protect the credibility of the education system. According to those present, the reception reflected the BJP leadership's public backing of one of its senior leaders despite the political storm surrounding his exit.

Pradhan's resignation followed weeks of protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Student groups and opposition parties had demanded accountability, arguing that the paper leak had shaken the confidence of lakhs of aspirants across the country. Following his resignation, the Union government assigned the additional charge of the Education Ministry to Pralhad Joshi, who already handles the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy portfolios. Officials indicated that the move was intended to ensure continuity in the ministry's functioning while the government deals with the fallout from the examination controversy. Meanwhile, videos of BJP MPs chanting slogans in support of Pradhan outside Parliament quickly circulated on social media, triggering political reactions from both supporters and critics.

Even after his resignation, several senior BJP leaders publicly praised Pradhan's contribution to the education sector. Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited him with playing a key role in implementing major education reforms, particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also acknowledged his efforts to strengthen India's education system and promote educational reforms during his tenure. BJP leaders maintained that Pradhan's resignation was a voluntary decision reflecting accountability rather than political pressure. The opposition, however, continued to question the government's handling of the NEET-UG paper leak and demanded a broader investigation into the examination process. Political observers believe the growing anger among students and young voters may have influenced the government's decision, although no official statement has confirmed that assessment. With the Monsoon Session of Parliament underway, education reforms, examination security, and the NEET controversy are expected to remain central issues in the days ahead.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday described former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as an example of placing national interest and students' welfare above political office, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) considers the country and its youth more important than any position.

Reacting to Pradhan's resignation amid the controversy over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, Shah said the decision reflected the BJP's commitment to accountability and public interest.

'Nation and Students Come First'

In a post on social media platform X, Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government respects the sentiments of students and remains committed to strengthening the integrity of India's examination system.

He said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards examination malpractices, including paper leaks, and reiterated that those found guilty would face strict legal action.

According to Shah, maintaining the credibility of competitive examinations remains one of the government's highest priorities.

Government Focused on Restoring Trust

The Home Minister said the Centre's objective is to safeguard the confidence of millions of students who prepare for competitive examinations through hard work and merit.

He stated that the government has already initiated several reforms to improve transparency, fairness and security in the examination process and would continue efforts to make the system more robust.

Praises Pradhan's Tenure

Shah also highlighted Dharmendra Pradhan's contribution to the education sector, saying significant progress had been made under his leadership in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP).

He credited the former minister with expanding PM SHRI Schools, promoting digital education, strengthening skill development initiatives and improving collaboration between educational institutions and industry.

According to Shah, these reforms were aimed at preparing India's education system for future challenges while making it more inclusive and student-centric.

Political Reactions Continue

Pradhan's resignation follows weeks of protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.

The development has triggered sharp political reactions across party lines. While opposition parties have described the resignation as a victory for students' protests, the BJP has maintained that it reflects the government's commitment to accountability, institutional reforms and national interest.

 The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET paper leak controversy has triggered sharp political reactions in Chhattisgarh, with leaders across party lines offering contrasting views on the development.

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel described the resignation as a victory for students and youth across the country. In a post on X, Baghel said the decision reflected the success of sustained protests demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.

Taking a swipe at the Centre, Baghel compared the Modi government to "Hiranyakashyap" from Hindu mythology and described the country's Gen-Z students as the "Narasimha avatar" that forced the government to act. He said the resignation represented a defeat for the Union government and a victory for students seeking justice.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker and former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh also backed the resignation, though from a different perspective. He said the decision was necessary to calm the nationwide agitation surrounding the examination controversy.

"The issue had become a matter of national concern. Bringing it to a conclusion was important," Raman Singh said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already indicated that stricter laws would be introduced to curb examination-related malpractices.

However, the BJP's stand within the state government appeared divided. Chhattisgarh School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav expressed support for Dharmendra Pradhan and argued that the minister should not have resigned.

Yadav said that a large ministry functions through thousands of officials and employees, making it unfair to hold the minister directly responsible for every administrative lapse. He urged Pradhan to withdraw his resignation in the national interest, noting that the Centre had already constituted an inquiry committee and established fast-track courts to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, celebrations broke out among student organisations in several parts of the state. In Bilaspur, students and youth groups organised a "Victory Rally," raising slogans in support of student unity and demanding the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Protesters maintained that while the minister's resignation marked an important milestone, their larger campaign for examination reforms and institutional accountability would continue.

Congress workers in Raipur also took out a victory procession, calling the resignation a result of sustained public pressure over the alleged paper leak.

The resignation marks a significant political development, as Dharmendra Pradhan has become the first Union minister in the Narendra Modi government since 2014 to step down following sustained public protests. Earlier, in 2018, then Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar resigned amid allegations during the global #MeToo movement, though the circumstances were unrelated to government policy.

The NEET controversy has also renewed attention on India's anti-paper leak framework. In June 2024, the Centre implemented the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act to tackle examination fraud. The law makes offences such as paper leaks, organised cheating, unauthorised access to examination materials and related offences non-bailable, with punishments ranging from three to ten years' imprisonment and heavy financial penalties, depending on the nature of the offence.

Despite the new legislation, opposition parties and student organisations have continued to demand broader reforms to restore confidence in the country's examination system.

The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan marks one of the most significant political developments to emerge from the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. It demonstrates that sustained public pressure can influence political decision-making. Yet, if the government believes that replacing one minister will end the controversy, it risks overlooking the fundamental issue that sparked the movement in the first place.

The crisis has never been solely about an individual. It is about public confidence in India's examination system. Millions of students spend years preparing for competitive exams, often sacrificing financial stability, personal time, and emotional well-being. When allegations of paper leaks and administrative failures emerge repeatedly, trust in the entire system begins to erode.

Resignations may satisfy immediate political demands, but they cannot restore credibility on their own.

The Government Must Shift From Damage Control to Structural Reform

The Centre now faces an opportunity to move beyond political firefighting and introduce meaningful reforms.

The first priority should be an independent investigation into examination irregularities, with complete transparency in its findings. Accountability should extend beyond political leadership to officials, agencies, and networks found responsible for compromising examination integrity.

Second, the examination ecosystem requires modernization. Greater use of encrypted digital question paper distribution, AI-driven monitoring, enhanced cybersecurity, and stricter oversight of testing centres can significantly reduce the risk of leaks.

Third, the government should establish a permanent national examination security framework instead of relying on temporary measures after every controversy. Independent audits, periodic security assessments, and clear accountability mechanisms would help rebuild public confidence.

Finally, communication with students must improve. During crises, uncertainty often fuels anger more than the incident itself. Transparent updates and timely decisions can prevent misinformation and reduce anxiety among candidates.

What Should Be CJP's Next Move?

For the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation represents a major political achievement. However, every protest movement reaches a defining moment after securing its first major demand.

If CJP continues solely with symbolic demonstrations, public support could gradually decline. Instead, the organization now has an opportunity to transition from protest politics to policy advocacy.

Rather than focusing exclusively on further resignations, CJP could present a comprehensive education reform charter outlining concrete proposals for examination security, student welfare, recruitment transparency, grievance redressal, and institutional accountability.

Maintaining peaceful dialogue with the government while insisting on measurable reforms may prove more effective than indefinite confrontation. Public movements often gain lasting legitimacy when they evolve from resistance into constructive participation in policymaking.

Students Must Remain the Focus

Perhaps the biggest lesson from this episode is that students should never become collateral damage in political contests.

Every stakeholder—the government, opposition parties, civil society, and protest groups—must ensure that education reforms remain the central objective. Political victories may dominate headlines for a few days, but restoring trust in India's examination system will determine whether this movement leaves a lasting legacy.

The Road Ahead

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation may have closed one chapter, but it has opened a much larger conversation about accountability, transparency, and institutional reform.

The government's credibility will now depend not on who replaces the minister, but on whether it can create an examination system that students trust. Likewise, CJP's future influence will depend on whether it transforms public anger into practical policy solutions.

If both sides seize this moment responsibly, India's education system could emerge stronger. If not, the resignation will be remembered as a political event rather than a turning point in education reform.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the alleged paper leak controversy, describing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a "criminal" and demanding his immediate removal from the Cabinet.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul alleged that the country's education system had collapsed under Pradhan's leadership and accused the government of failing to protect the interests of students. He claimed that the minister had become a symbol of the crisis facing India's examination system.

"He is the reason why thousands of people are on the streets. He has to go," Rahul said, asserting that students across the country had lost faith in the government's ability to conduct fair and transparent examinations.

Rahul Appears With Injured Student

During the media interaction, Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by a student who was allegedly injured during recent protests over the paper leak issue. Holding the student's arm before television cameras, Rahul pointed to what he described as pellet injuries and accused security forces of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.

According to Rahul, the student had participated in a peaceful protest carrying the national flag when he was allegedly struck by pellets.

"I want to tell you that the young man standing beside me was injured by a pellet gun while peacefully protesting with the Tricolour," Rahul said.

He further alleged that the student's eye had been seriously injured, resulting in partial loss of vision.

Government's Claims Rejected

Rahul questioned the government's stand that pellet guns were not used during the protests.

"The government says pellet guns were not used. But here is a student standing before you with injuries. Thousands of young people were lathi-charged and targeted," he alleged.

The Congress leader claimed the injured student had appeared for a police recruitment examination that was allegedly affected by a paper leak, forcing candidates to protest against what they described as repeated failures in the examination system.

Paper Leak Issue Intensifies Political Battle

The alleged paper leak controversy has become one of the most contentious political issues during the ongoing Parliament session.

Opposition parties have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that repeated examination irregularities have jeopardised the future of lakhs of students.

The ruling government has rejected the allegations of inaction, maintaining that investigations are underway and that those responsible for examination fraud will face strict punishment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced plans for stronger anti-paper leak legislation, including provisions for fast-track courts and tougher penalties against those involved in organised examination fraud.

Parliament Witnesses Repeated Disruptions

The controversy has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in both Houses of Parliament.

Opposition MPs have staged protests inside and outside Parliament, demanding accountability from the government and insisting that the Prime Minister address the issue directly in the House.

Congress leaders have argued that ministerial accountability is essential before any legislative measures are introduced to tackle paper leaks.

The government, however, has maintained that it is prepared to discuss the issue in Parliament while urging the Opposition to allow normal legislative business to continue.

Political Temperature Rises

Rahul Gandhi's latest remarks are expected to further escalate the political confrontation over the examination controversy.

By bringing an injured student before the media, the Congress has attempted to shift attention beyond allegations of paper leaks to questions surrounding the police response to student protests.

Meanwhile, the Centre continues to defend its handling of the issue, stating that investigations by central agencies are progressing and that institutional reforms are being introduced to safeguard future examinations.

With protests continuing and Parliament witnessing repeated disruptions, the paper leak issue remains one of the biggest political flashpoints ahead of further discussions in the House.

Social activist Anna Hazare on Thursday extended his support to students protesting over alleged examination irregularities by beginning a silent protest in Maharashtra's Ahilya Nagar. The veteran activist also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging attention to the concerns being raised by students across the country.

Hazare's intervention comes as protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continue at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for accountability in the education system. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) on Friday seeking action over the prolonged protest, claiming it has severely disrupted normal life in the national capital.

Anna Hazare Extends Support

Anna Hazare, known for leading several public movements, observed a silent fast in Ahilya Nagar in solidarity with protesting students.

According to people associated with the protest, Hazare believes the concerns of students deserve immediate attention from the country's leadership. In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated that as the nation's highest elected leader, it was important for the government to directly address public grievances and restore students' confidence in the education system.

His support has added a new dimension to the ongoing nationwide debate surrounding examination transparency and accountability.

Delhi High Court to Hear Petition

The Delhi High Court will hear a PIL on Friday challenging the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar.

The petitioner has argued that the prolonged demonstrations have disrupted daily life in the capital, with several roads remaining closed and commuters facing significant inconvenience. The plea seeks appropriate directions regarding the continuation of the protest while balancing citizens' right to free movement.

The matter is expected to be heard by a Bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya.

Protest Continues at Jantar Mantar

Thousands of protesters gathered once again at Jantar Mantar on Thursday as the CJP-led agitation entered its 32nd day.

Demonstrators continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and stricter action against those responsible for examination paper leaks.

The protest site witnessed heavy police deployment to maintain law and order as large crowds assembled throughout the day.

Volunteers arranged food, drinking water and tea for protesters, while sanitation teams collected garbage from the demonstration site to maintain cleanliness.

Fresh Allegations Surface

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that individuals associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had infiltrated the protest and were attempting to provoke violence by pelting stones at demonstrators.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate official response from the BJP regarding the claims.

Earlier this week, protests witnessed clashes between demonstrators and police, leaving several people, including security personnel, injured.

Timeline of the Protest

The agitation has witnessed several significant developments over the past three days.

On July 20, thousands of protesters marched towards Parliament demanding action over the alleged paper leak, following which clashes broke out between police and demonstrators during the "Sansad Chalo" march.

On July 21, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated that the protest would continue until the government initiated direct dialogue with student representatives and accepted their key demands.

On July 22, environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk said he was prepared to end his hunger strike if the government assured that no punitive action would be taken against students participating in peaceful protests.

Political Heat Intensifies

The alleged NEET paper leak has evolved into a major political issue, with opposition parties repeatedly targeting the Centre over examination irregularities and demanding greater accountability.

The government, however, has maintained that investigations are underway and has announced fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases.

The continuing protests, legal proceedings and political exchanges indicate that the controversy is likely to remain at the centre of public debate in the coming weeks. With the Delhi High Court set to hear the matter and student groups refusing to withdraw their agitation, all eyes will be on the government's next steps and the court's observations.

The protest, led by BJP Madhya Pradesh president Hemant Khandelwal, was organised near the Red Cross Square in the state capital. BJP workers gathered in large numbers carrying placards and banners criticising the Congress leadership and raising slogans against Rahul Gandhi.

Security arrangements were tightened in anticipation of the demonstration, particularly around the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) headquarters. Police personnel were deployed at both entrances of the Congress office, while barricades were erected on roads leading to the premises.

The situation became tense when BJP leaders and workers attempted to march towards the Congress office after assembling at Red Cross Square. Among those participating in the protest were BJP MLAs Bhagwandas Sabnani and Rameshwar Sharma, along with district president Ravi Dubey and other party functionaries.

As the procession moved towards the PCC office, police stopped the protesters near the Link Road close to Red Cross Hospital. Authorities prevented the group from advancing further by placing barricades across the route.

Following the intervention, BJP workers raised slogans and continued their protest from behind the barricades. Some demonstrators also threw placards and posters in the direction of the police deployment while expressing their opposition to the Congress.

One participant attracted attention by arriving at the protest dressed as a clown. The individual wore a poster on his T-shirt carrying a slogan critical of Rahul Gandhi, a move that drew interest from both party workers and bystanders at the site.

Despite the initial tension, the demonstration remained brief.

The protest lasted for approximately ten minutes before BJP leaders and workers dispersed from the area. No major law-and-order incident was reported during the event, and police maintained control of the situation throughout the protest.

Speaking to reporters after the demonstration, Hemant Khandelwal described the protest as a warning to the Congress. He alleged that the opposition party had crossed political limits through its recent actions and said the BJP would continue to oppose such moves.

Khandelwal stated that Wednesday’s programme was only a symbolic protest and suggested that stronger demonstrations could follow if the Congress failed to change its approach. His remarks reflected the increasingly confrontational tone that has characterised political exchanges between the BJP and Congress in recent weeks.

The protest comes amid heightened political activity across the country, with both parties frequently targeting each other over parliamentary issues, governance matters and public demonstrations. The latest controversy stems from opposition protests in the national capital, which have triggered sharp reactions from BJP leaders at both national and state levels.

Political observers note that such demonstrations often serve a dual purpose—mobilising party workers while also sending a political message to supporters and opponents. In Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP remains in power, public protests against the Congress have become a recurring feature of the political landscape.

While Wednesday’s protest concluded peacefully, the sharp statements exchanged between leaders indicate that political tensions between the two parties are unlikely to ease anytime soon. Further demonstrations and counter-campaigns could be expected as both sides continue to position themselves ahead of future political contests.