Jantar Mantar Submerged as Students and Citizens Converge Ahead of Parliament March Over Paper Leaks

NEW DELHI: Intense rain and severe waterlogging failed to deter thousands of students, parents, and civil society members from gathering at Jantar Mantar ahead of a planned march toward Parliament. Protesters flooded the streets demanding systemic reforms in national competitive examinations, political accountability, and the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following widespread paper leak controversies.

Journalist Ajit Anjum, reporting from the ground, captured the rising frustration across generations, highlighting that the protest has expanded beyond student unions to include concerned parents and school students.

Voices from the Ground: Broadening Public Support

Demonstrators at Jantar Mantar voiced deep alarm over the recurring integrity issues in public examinations, framing the issue as a threat to the nation's future:

• Concerned Parents: A young father present at the protest emphasized that his participation was for his eight-year-old daughter, stating that if student demands are ignored today, future generations will face a compromised education system.
• Student Leadership: Speaking on the trajectory of the movement, a Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student noted that while climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike brought immense credibility to the cause, the movement remains fundamentally student-led, with unyielding demands for institutional accountability.
• School Aspirants: High school students joined the venue in solidarity, warning that failing to address paper leaks now would destroy career prospects and mental health for upcoming batches.

Escalating Pressure on Educational Authorities

The convergence of citizens from diverse backgrounds underscores growing public outrage over examination mismanagement. Despite heavy police deployment, barricading, and severe weather conditions, protesters reiterated that their agitation will continue until concrete legislative and administrative safeguards are enforced.