Student protests force Pradhan resignation in stormy monsoon session

India's monsoon session of Parliament ended on August 13 with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigning after thousands of students marched on Parliament, demanding his removal over repeated exam paper leaks. The protests, which began as the session opened on July 20, escalated when Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel were filmed assaulting and sexually abusing young demonstrators, sparking widespread outrage.

The Hindu reports that the government faced sustained criticism from the Opposition and public opinion. Several bills were passed with inadequate deliberation, including amendments to mining regulations and a law mandating the full version of Vande Mataram at state functions. The session also saw legislation to curb examination malpractices.

The Federal notes the Opposition turned the protests into parliamentary pressure, with Leaders including Rahul Gandhi demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah. Both Modi and Shah largely avoided the floor of both houses. The government's push for delimitation and foreign contribution regulation bills stalled; the latter will be examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.