Pune, 24th July 2026: Students, parents, political parties and social organisations took to the streets on Thursday to protest against the alleged police lathi-charge on students demonstrating at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over examination paper leaks.
The march, organised by the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi along with several student, labour and social organisations, also renewed demands for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, with protesters alleging that repeated paper leaks have jeopardised the future of lakhs of aspirants.
The march began at the Bhide Wada, regarded as the site of India's first school for girls, and concluded near Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue at Pune Railway Station. Protesters marched through Lal Mahal, Phadke Haud, Daruwala Bridge, 15 August Chowk, Narpatgiri Chowk and the old Zilla Parishad Road, raising slogans against paper leaks and the alleged police action in Delhi.
Demonstrators called for greater transparency in competitive examinations, swift punishment for those responsible for paper leak cases and stronger safeguards to protect students' careers.
Participants observed a tribute to students who reportedly died by suicide after examination paper leak incidents before a delegation submitted a memorandum to the Pune District Collector. The memorandum urged the Central government to overhaul the examination system, ensure accountability and restore public confidence in recruitment and entrance examinations.
Several prominent activists and leaders, including Vasant Salve, Dr Anil Jadhav, Adv Arvind Tayade, Nagesh Bhosale and Anis Ahmed, joined the protest.
Parent Rahul Dumbale said families had joined the march beyond political affiliations because students' futures were at stake. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that repeated failures in the examination system had caused immense uncertainty for students.
Student Ganesh Jadhav said aspirants spend months and even years preparing for competitive examinations, but repeated paper leaks undermine their efforts. He said students would continue their agitation until transparency is ensured and those responsible are held accountable.
Another student, Rohit Shinde, condemned the alleged police action against students protesting in Delhi, calling it contrary to democratic values. He said students were only seeking justice and expected the government to respond to their concerns instead of suppressing peaceful protests.
