Democratic Voices silenced? Opposition slams Police over brutal handling of Youth Congress Rally

A massive protest march organized by the Youth Congress demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged corruption in the NEET examination descended into chaos on Monday, as police used water cannons and lathi‑charge to disperse demonstrators near the Chief Minister’s residence. The crackdown left several activists injured and has triggered a storm of political outrage.

The rally, joined by over a hundred Youth Congress workers and supporters, began in the morning to highlight what the party described as rampant corruption, spiraling prices, and worsening unemployment. 

Tension escalated when the procession reached IGM Hospital, where police erected barricades to block the march. Defying restrictions, protesters attempted to push forward towards the Chief Minister’s official residence, prompting police to unleash water cannons.

As the crowd pressed on, security forces intensified their response with a second round of water cannons and lathi‑charge. Eyewitnesses reported bloodied activists collapsing on the street, with several receiving immediate medical attention.

The Youth Congress president Neel Kamal Saha condemned the police action, accusing the administration of “excessive force to silence democratic voices.”

The incident has sparked sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders questioned why peaceful political protests were met with such severity, while similar measures are rarely seen against criminal networks or drug cartels.

“This is not law enforcement, this is suppression of dissent,” one opposition figure remarked, underscoring the growing unease over the government’s handling of democratic movements.

Police officials, however, defended their actions, stating that the measures were necessary to secure the Chief Minister’s residence and maintain law and order. They insisted that no one would be allowed to breach the high‑security zone surrounding the residence.

Later, Neel Kamal Saha and several protesters were detained and taken to AD Nagar Police Lines. Though the situation was eventually brought under control, images of injured activists and the heavy‑handed police response have ignited fresh controversy.