Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati commended Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, stating it was a timely move in light of ongoing nationwide student and youth demonstrations. She emphasized the necessity for prompt action and a thorough investigation into the police’s handling of student protests at Jantar Mantar. Mayawati urged for the prosecution of those responsible, the withdrawal of charges against protesters, and cautioned against politicizing the movement.
Mayawati, in a social media post, called for severe repercussions against police officers accused of using force against unarmed demonstrators at Jantar Mantar. She highlighted the injuries sustained by numerous students due to police baton charges and demanded accountability. Additionally, she insisted on identifying and penalizing officers involved in misconduct towards female protesters, advocating for strict disciplinary measures to prevent future occurrences.
The BSP chief stressed the importance of preventing a recurrence of such incidents by taking exemplary action. She appealed for the dismissal of all legal complaints against protesting students and youth, citing potential negative impacts on their future. Mayawati believed that dropping these cases would contribute to restoring peace and unity in the country.
Mayawati cautioned protesters against allowing political exploitation of their movement and advised them to safeguard their future prospects during the agitation. The demonstrations, triggered by the alleged NEET-UG exam paper leak, have persisted nationwide. Various student groups and the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ (CJP) had demanded accountability from the Education Minister, leading to Pradhan’s resignation, seen as a significant step towards ensuring transparency in the examination system. The resignation preceded scheduled talks between the government and CJP.
