Paper leak: Youth protests continue at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park for 6th day in a row

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jul 25, 2026: Youth-led protests demanding accountability for examination irregularities and reforms in the education system entered their sixth consecutive day at Freedom Park on Friday, drawing students, parents, activists and members of the public.

The demonstrations, focused on ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of public examinations, are part of a nationwide movement seeking reforms in the education system. Protesters have also been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

"We’re only asking for accountability. If people stop demanding accountability, the government will begin to believe it can act without consequences. The government exists to serve the people, not the other way around," said Janani, an 18-year-old student who has participated in the protests every day since July 21.

According to organisers, people continued arriving at Freedom Park throughout the day, with the largest gathering recorded between 4 pm and 6 pm. "The turnout has remained consistent every day. Around 5.30 pm today, nearly 700 people were present," said Aratrika, Bengaluru General Secretary of the All India Students’ Association (AISA).

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), one of the groups backing the movement, had issued a nationwide call for peaceful protests, urging student organisations to unite and publicly present the party’s demands.

"We didn’t expect the movement to continue with such momentum, but young people want to participate," said Bhavana of the CJP Bengaluru team. She added that the organisation is planning its biggest protest yet on Sunday from 2 pm, expecting more than 10,000 participants.

However, some protesters said the event was not centred on CJP’s agenda. "No specific CJP demands were read out. We don’t even know if CJP volunteers were present. Members from several student organisations came together, raised slogans demanding accountability, delivered speeches and sang songs," said Rishab Sharma, a resident of Marathahalli.

Student organisations have planned similar demonstrations throughout the weekend at Freedom Park. Arpitha Gracy, Bengaluru president of the Student Federation of India (SFI), said some members had begun an indefinite hunger strike until the students’ demands are addressed.

Meanwhile, around 1,800 citizens, including writers and activists, have signed an open letter addressed to police and security personnel, condemning the alleged use of excessive force against protesters during the July 20 demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

In a statement issued on Friday, Archbishop of Bangalore Rev. Peter Machado expressed solidarity with the students, saying the growing protests reflected deep anxiety about the future of the country’s youth.

"The youth are not merely the future of our nation; they are its greatest strength today. We are disappointed that constructive dialogue has not begun, and we appeal to the government to engage with students in a spirit of openness, sincerity and mutual respect," he said.

Sadhu Kokila backs student protesters

Filmmaker, music composer and Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy Chairperson Sadhu Kokila also voiced support for the protesting students and criticised the alleged police action against demonstrators during the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march in Delhi.

"The future of students is extremely important. This should not be viewed through the lens of party politics. I watched videos from Delhi all night, and it was heartbreaking to see how the police treated students who were only demanding their rights," he told reporters.

Condemning the violence, Kokila questioned the treatment meted out to students and urged the police to act with greater humanity. He also criticised the spread of misinformation surrounding the protests.

Expressing disappointment over the Kannada film industry’s silence on the issue, Kokila appealed to the government to resolve the matter peacefully.

"Students are only asking for justice, reforms in the education system and the removal of the Education Minister. These are basic demands," he said.