Indian opposition disrupts parliament to support student protesters and pressure Modi

Opposition lawmakers in India disrupted parliamentary proceedings on Wednesday, echoing student protesters' demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The unrest centers on alleged leaks of medical school entrance exam papers, which impacted approximately 2 million students.

Protests, which began last month, escalated this week with tens of thousands of young people marching in New Delhi. Police responded with tear gas and batons. The demonstrations have since spread to major cities across India, presenting Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his most significant youth-led challenge since his 2014 election victory.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, gathered outside parliament, many wearing black and holding placards. Gandhi stated that students demand Pradhan's resignation, accountability for those who used force against protesters, and an apology from Modi. The Congress party staged a sit-in at Modi's residence, leading to the temporary detention of Gandhi and other leaders.

Meanwhile, members of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party organized counter-protests in several cities. The Education Minister, in his first public comments, assured that the government is committed to addressing concerns and reforming the examination system. The protests have led to disruptions, including the closure of several Delhi Metro stations.

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We are fully backing them. This is not negotiable under any circumstance.