Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary M A Baby on Wednesday alleged that the BJP-led Centre was trying to stifle democratic dissent by closing Metro stations around Jantar Mantar in the wake of continuing student protests over alleged examination irregularities. He asserted that such measures would not weaken the agitation.
In a post on social media platform X, Baby criticised the reported closure of 16 Metro stations in and around Jantar Mantar, saying the move infringed upon citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d).
“Freedom of movement is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution of India, yet 16 Metro stations in and around Jantar Mantar have been shut down by the BJP government in an attempt to suppress dissent. It will not succeed,” he said.
Backing the student movement, the CPI(M) leader claimed that the protesters would not be intimidated despite facing police action during the demonstrations.
“The students and youth who braved lathis, tear gas, smoke bombs, and worse will not yield to the cowardly repressive measures of this fascistic regime,” Baby said.
He also reiterated the Opposition’s demand for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the Centre had failed to safeguard the country’s education system.
“This government will be forced to remove Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and fix accountability for the complete failure of the education system. Our students and youth will settle for nothing less,” he said.
Baby’s remarks came amid an escalating political confrontation over the alleged police action against student protesters and the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The Congress, the Left parties, and other INDIA bloc constituents have stepped up their campaign against the government, demanding Pradhan’s resignation and accusing the Centre of mishandling the education system while resorting to excessive force against protesting students.
The Centre has rejected the Opposition’s allegations, maintaining that law enforcement agencies acted in accordance with the prevailing security situation. It has also asserted that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in public examinations. The issue has triggered repeated disruptions in both Houses of Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session, as Opposition parties continue to press for a discussion on the matter.