Pune: Thousands Join Congress-Led Candle March Seeking Justice For Students, Demand Action Over Exam Crisis
Pune: Thousands Join Congress-Led Candle March Seeking Justice For Students, Demand Action Over Exam Crisis
Pune, July 26, 2026: Thousands of students and citizens participated in a candle march organised by the Pune City Congress on Sunday, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system and calling for justice for students affected by the recent examination controversies.
The march, held under the banner “Chhatron Ki Goonj” (Voice of Students), followed the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Congress leaders described the resignation as a victory for students after nearly 28 days of sustained demonstrations.
Addressing the gathering, Pune (East) City Congress President Prashant Jagtap alleged that the government ignored students’ demands and used excessive force against peaceful protesters during the agitation. He claimed that students were subjected to police action, including tear gas and pellet guns, and demanded that the Centre issue a public apology for its handling of the protests.
The Congress also called for the withdrawal of criminal cases registered against student protesters and sought financial assistance for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide amid the examination crisis.
Organisers emphasised that although the march was called by the Congress, participants did not carry party flags or raise political slogans. Instead, marchers carried the Indian national flag, stating that the event was intended to demonstrate solidarity with students and demand a transparent, fair, and accountable examination system.
The march witnessed the participation of several Congress leaders, including Prashant Jagtap, Chandusheth Kadam, Gopaldada Tiwari, Rafiq Shaikh, Sahil Kedari, Sunil Shinde, Shiva Mantri, Vishal Malke, Vaishali Bhalerao, Ashwini Landge, Dipali Dhok, Saurav Amarale, Abhijeet Gore, Pushkar Abnave, Akshay Jain, Swati Shinde, along with thousands of students and Pune residents.
Congress leaders reiterated their demand for reforms to restore public confidence in India’s examination system and ensure that students receive fair opportunities without fear of malpractice or administrative failures.
