Cinema VinesOn Monday, roughly 50,000 students and supporters converged on the capital’s streets, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began at Jantar Mantar where demonstrators had been encamped for a month, and marched toward Parliament. Police responded with lathi charges and tear‑gas shells, attempting to disperse the crowd that had gathered in large numbers at the designated protest site.
Veteran filmmaker and National Award winner Aparna Sen, who has long been an outspoken critic of government policies, took to Instagram to voice her solidarity with the students. In a heartfelt post, she said, “I just learned from our students the meaning of democratic dissent. They taught me how to believe in the constitution and act accordingly.” Sen reflected on her own sense of disillusionment, describing herself as “de‑moralised, depressed, and de‑spirited,” and praised the students for their peaceful, constitution‑compliant protest. “They gave me a glimmer of hope,” she wrote, adding that she cried all night and felt “brave, resilient, and courageous” in the young activists.
Sen’s caption highlighted the violence that occurred the night before, calling it “unacceptable” and urging the nation to stand with the unarmed students. She warned that the future of the country—its doctors, scientists, educators, and artists—could be harmed if the government continues to beat up on dissent. “It is now or never,” she urged.
Delhi police officials later stated that the Monday protest was marked by unruly, aggressive, and violent behaviour. They claimed that despite repeated warnings and lawful directions, the demonstrators refused to disperse and deliberately violated prohibitory orders. The police alleged that they were targeted indiscriminately, leading to injuries on both sides. Social media videos show police lathi‑charging the students and using tear gas, while protestors allege that the police acted with excessive force.
The clash between the demonstrators and law enforcement has drawn national attention, with both sides accusing the other of misconduct. The students’ demand for the minister’s resignation remains unchanged, and the government’s response to the protests continues to be scrutinised by activists, politicians, and the public alike.
