Anna Hazare Backs Jantar Mantar Protest, Holds Silent Demonstration in Maharashtra (Video)
Anna Hazare observed a two-hour silent protest in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar in support of students protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over alleged NEET-UG irregularities. A day earlier, he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage in dialogue, stressed ministerial accountability, and said protesters' concerns should be addressed through trust and constructive discussions.
Social activist Anna Hazare on Thursday, July 23, observed a two-hour maun andolan (silent protest) in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar in support of students protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET-UG irregularities and demands for education reforms. The demonstration came a day after Hazare wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to engage with protesters through dialogue and stressing the importance of accountability.
The 89-year-old activist began his protest at 11 am at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Ahilyanagar and concluded it at 1 pm before returning to his village, Ralegan Siddhi. His intervention comes as protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continue in the national capital, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for students who allegedly died by suicide, and protection for peaceful protesters. Anna Hazare Writes to PM Narendra Modi Over CJP Protest Violence, Calls for Dialogue Between Govt and Protesters.
Anna Hazare Holds Silent Protest in Maharashtra
Anna Hazare Urges Dialogue And Accountability
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, July 22, Hazare expressed concern over reports of police action against demonstrators.
Referring to the alleged police action against protesters, Hazare said "the news of... violence and police action... is extremely painful", adding that the resentment of the protesters should not be viewed "as a law and order problem, but as the agony and expectations of society". CJP Rejects Govt Talks, Insists Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation is Non-Negotiable.
He urged the government to "listen to (the protesters) patiently, create an atmosphere of trust, and find solutions through positive dialogue".
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Hazare said, "The Prime Minister is the supreme leader. It's important to send the people's questions to him, so I sent it," ANI reported.
Hazare on Ministerial Accountability
Without directly naming Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in his letter, Hazare argued that fixing accountability through a minister's resignation would strengthen governance rather than weaken it.
"If accountability is fixed and the resignation of a minister is taken, the government will not lose power. Rather, it will send a clear message to other ministers that if they do not discharge the responsibilities of their departments properly, they too will have to relinquish their posts. This will make the functioning of the government more accountable and effective," he wrote, according to PTI.
Earlier, Hazare had also stated that if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is asked to resign, "it will not cause the government to fall; rather, it will…make its functioning more accountable and effective".
CJP Alleges Internet Shutdown
Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Wednesday alleged that internet services had been shut down around Jantar Mantar, raising concerns over a possible police crackdown on the ongoing sit-in protest.
In a post on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said, "Internet service shutdown at Jantar Mantar. Govt planning another brutal crackdown?" In another post, Dipke appealed to security personnel deployed at the protest site, saying:
"Appeal to police and paramilitary forces deployed to crush the protest. Do not obey illegal orders that ask you to beat up innocent protesters. This is your test as well. Will you stand with the people, or with authoritarians," he wrote.
Protests Continue at Jantar Mantar
Hazare's support comes as demonstrations continue at Jantar Mantar following the CJP's 'Sansad Chalo' march on July 20. Hundreds of protesters remain at the site, pressing for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and other demands.
The CJP is currently seeking three key measures from the government: the resignation of the Union education minister over the alleged NEET-UG irregularities, INR 1 crore compensation for students who allegedly died by suicide, and assurance that peaceful protesters will not face prosecution.
Earlier, the party had also demanded the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, alleging he was illegally detained after being shifted from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital while on a hunger strike. Wangchuk was later transferred to Medanta Hospital after the Delhi High Court allowed his wife's plea seeking treatment at a hospital of the family's choice.
The protests have expanded beyond Delhi, with demonstrations being held in several parts of the country and support coming from political leaders, actors and other public figures.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 04:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).