Patna NEET Protests Intensify, Pradhan Resignation

Patna protests over the NEET-UG paper leak intensified as thousands marched toward Raj Bhavan, with demonstrators from AISA and CPI(ML) Liberation demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and broader education reforms. Police used tear gas, water cannons, and lathis, causing injuries and leading to barricade breaches and some vandalism including theft of barricades. The movement, which has persisted for weeks under the Cockroach Janta Party banner, continues to push for accountability and system-wide changes, despite attempts to portray outside elements as disruptors. Viral moments from the Patna protest on social media, such as requests for water cannons and dances, boosted attention online. Bollywood figures including Alia Bhatt and Salman Khan joined others in voicing support for students and condemning violence, with Shabana Azmi, Huma Qureshi, Jim Sarbh, and Imran Khan contributing in various ways. The discourse frames the protests as a national debate on the education system and student rights, alongside hunger strikes by Sonam Wangchuk and ongoing calls for reform.