Many in Hyderabad back CJP’s call for Pradhan’s ouster

Around 700 to 800 people were estimated to have attended the protest and a large section comprised students affected by CBSE evaluation problems, NEET and UPSC aspirants. Other student groups and city activists were seen attending along with members of the general public who rarely attend protests.

While Wangchuk was the main speaker, CJP national spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya and Telangana coordinators Vijay Mallangi, Ruchith Asha Kamal and Sonde Ansar joined him.

“It is a matter of shame if people living in the world’s largest democracy are too frightened to participate in a peaceful protest, even though peaceful protest is their constitutional right,” said Wangchuk. “If a person fears consequences for their home or their child’s school admission merely for attending a protest, how can we call that a democracy? India must become free of fear. People must be able to speak and raise their voices without intimidation.”

Satvik Jayii, a 23-year-old protester from Hyderabad who carried a copy of the Constitution to the venue, said, “People have the right to demand accountability when lakhs of students depend on these examinations. Patriotism cannot be demanded while people’s concerns are ignored. It must come freely when the country values them.”

The crowd spilled beyond Dharna Chowk. Some people moved into the adjoining Indira Park area, and others watched from the NTR Stadium as well, as Wangchuk addressed the protesters while Indian Flags, copies of the Constitution along with placards demanding the resignation of Pradhan and accountability formed the background throughout the morning.

CJP’s five-point manifesto sought `10,000 compensation for affected students, re-examinations within 72 hours, manual evaluation, age relaxation after delays and independent audits of computer-based tests.

Deccan Chronicle asked Mallangi about an examination company associated with Telangana’s 2019 Intermediate results crisis that later received work elsewhere. He alleged poor scrutiny and called for an investigation into the award of contracts. “How does a company facing allegations or pending cases continue receiving contracts under another name or in another State? Did the authorities miss its record or ignore it?” he said. He also alleged that organised groups were selling question papers.

The demand crossed generations at Dharna Chowk, Vijay Daniel, who although not Gen Z, compared ministerial responsibility to the responsibility of a school principal. “When a principal repeatedly makes mistakes and children are hurt, there has to be accountability. The principal should resign. That is how justice begins,” he said.

Akunuri Murali, former chairman of the Telangana Education Commission who was present in solidarity told Deccan Chronicle that both the Union and state governments must take responsibility for failures in education. “Young people are deeply unhappy, but the government is blaming them instead of addressing their concerns. The education system is below standard in Telangana and across most States.” He accused the BJP-led Centre of pursuing policies that were “unscientific and unfair to students” and demanded Pradhan’s resignation. “He has failed to show the competence and duty expected of an Education Minister.”

Mallangi gave a missed-call number 7277773355 for supporters who wished to connect with the CJP although there is no formal membership drive.

Former IAS officer and Karwan-e-Mohabbat founder Harsh Mander attended the protest in solidarity. Prof. Nageshwar Rao and retired IPS officer M.V. Venkat Reddy were present.