NEW DELHI— Student protesters resumed demonstrations in the Indian capital on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations, a day after clashes with police injured scores of protesters and security personnel, according to authorities and protest organizers.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar after organizers of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said they would continue their campaign despite Monday's confrontation, which erupted when protesters attempted to march toward Parliament during the Monsoon Session. The movement has centered on demands for accountability over alleged examination paper leaks, broader reforms to the public examination system and the education minister's resignation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue for the first time on Tuesday, calling for a "foolproof" public examination system and highlighting government measures including re-examinations and arrests linked to examination irregularities, according to official remarks. Protest leaders said those steps did not meet their demands and pledged to continue peaceful demonstrations.
Delhi Police said nearly 180 police personnel and protesters were injured during Monday's violence. Authorities said officers acted to maintain public order after protesters breached security restrictions around Parliament, while denying allegations of excessive force. Protest organizers and several participants accused police of using batons and tear gas against demonstrators. Amnesty International criticized the police response and called for respect for the right to peaceful assembly.
The protests were triggered by allegations of leaks in major entrance examinations that affected more than two million students, according to protest organizers and media reports. The government has announced investigations and arrests in connection with the examination controversy, while rejecting accusations that it failed to address the issue adequately.
The movement has expanded beyond examination concerns to reflect wider frustration among young people over education and employment opportunities, drawing support from students across several states. Opposition parties have also intensified criticism of the government, raising the issue inside and outside Parliament.
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court allowed activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose hospitalization became a rallying point for demonstrators, to be transferred to a private hospital, according to court proceedings reported by Reuters. Protest organizers said they would continue their sit-in at Jantar Mantar while refraining from another march toward Parliament for the time being.
