Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP), has expressed strong concerns regarding the Centre’s failure to take action against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amidst ongoing protests over the NEET issue. During a press conference on July 22, Yadav claimed the government’s reluctance to remove Pradhan indicates a state of fear within the administration. He posed critical questions regarding the underlying pressure on the government and whether the minister may possess sensitive information that inhibits decisive action.

Support for Student Protests at Jantar Mantar

SP MP Dharmendra Yadav reiterated the party’s solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar, emphasising that the opposition would persist in its agitation until the students’ concerns were addressed. He asserted that the government must resolve the issues faced by the students. “As long as they are stationed at Jantar Mantar and remain dissatisfied, we will find ways to protest, whether in Parliament or outside,” he remarked. This statement reflects the party’s commitment to challenging the government on the issues affecting students.

Further highlighting the situation, Dharmendra Yadav commented on the violent response from police during the protests, citing an incident on July 20 when numerous students were reportedly subjected to a lathi charge. He expressed that it was a day marked by violence against peaceful demonstrators, framing it as a significant injustice.

Opposition’s Protests in Parliament

Another SP MP, Awadhesh Prasad, accused the government of obstructing opposition efforts to raise student issues in Parliament. During a recent session, Prasad noted that despite efforts from Akhilesh Yadav and other SP members to address the situation, the government allegedly prevented the House from functioning properly. He also highlighted the arrest of Yadav, characterising it as indicative of a government resembling authoritarianism.

Protests within Parliament saw opposition MPs dressed in black as a symbolic gesture against the government’s handling of the student protests. Prominent figures, including the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, joined in these demonstrations, underlining the collective discontent with the handling of the students’ grievances. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra articulated that the students were voicing legitimate demands, particularly in the context of the vast budget allocated to education versus the government’s financial concessions to major corporations.

In reference to the protests, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge discussed the undemocratic nature of the government’s actions, claiming that the administration’s practices reflect a dictatorial stance. He expressed concern over the treatment of MPs and students, asserting that threats and intimidation tactics against opposition leaders will not deter the collective response from the public and the opposition parties. Kharge affirmed the commitment of the Congress and its allies to continue to advocate for students’ rights and oppose the government’s strategies.

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