New Delhi, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said the country’s youth had demonstrated their ability to push governments to respond to public concerns, citing recent student protests over alleged examination irregularities as an example of collective action.
Participating in the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Yadav referred to protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and claimed that the government initially showed reluctance but later accepted several demands raised by students.
“The government was arrogant in the belief that it would not bow down. After the win, youngsters raised a slogan — ‘sarkaar jhukti hai, jhukane wala chahiye’,” he said, adding that the younger generation knew how to make the government respond.
The SP leader claimed that the Centre had accepted several demands of the protesters, including changes related to the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, but questioned why those commitments had not been formally presented before Parliament.
Commenting on Pradhan’s reception in Parliament after his resignation, Yadav said his party had no objection to the gesture but suggested that the resignation had shifted focus from broader issues concerning the examination system.
Congratulating students, particularly members of the younger generation, Yadav said their unity and campaign had forced the government to take note of their concerns. He expressed hope that all demands raised by protesting students would be implemented.
Referring to the movement led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Yadav said a campaign that began as satire developed into a wider protest movement and eventually led authorities to allow demonstrations.
Drawing a comparison with previous agitations, including the farmers’ protest, the Kannauj MP said governments often respond to public demands after sustained pressure. He said earlier movements had also forced policy changes when public sentiment became strong.
Questioning the need for amendments to the anti-paper leak law, Yadav asked why examination papers continued to be leaked despite the enactment of legislation in 2024. He said the issue affected not only students but also their families.
He also raised concerns over alleged paper leaks in Uttar Pradesh and questioned the outsourcing of certain functions of the National Testing Agency (NTA), saying accountability in the examination system must be strengthened.
Yadav further criticised the government over the closure of schools and alleged that examination irregularities continued despite existing laws. He also compared the police response to recent student protests in Delhi with the atmosphere during the Emergency period, alleging excessive use of force against demonstrators.
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