‘Black Day for Democracy’: Dimple Yadav Slams Centre, Demands Education Minister’s Resignation After Police Action on NEET Protesters

New Delhi: A completely different side of Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav—usually known for her calm, composed, and soft-spoken nature—was witnessed at Jantar Mantar. Her demeanor shifted as the protest march unfolded: a heated argument with the police at the barricades, a steadfast presence among the protesters, aiding an injured student, and finally, her detention. The entire sequence of events on Monday became a major topic of discussion, ranging from social media platforms to political circles.

Amidst this, a video is rapidly going viral showing Dimple Yadav sitting beside an injured student. In the video, she is seen unbuttoning the student’s shirt to ease his breathing and urging bystanders to provide immediate assistance. Following the video’s viral spread, supporters are hailing this as a display of Dimple Yadav’s humane side.

Dimple’s Shift in Demeanor: From Parliament to Jantar Mantar
Opposition MPs were marching from Parliament to Jantar Mantar in support of students protesting over issues related to NEET. SP MP Dimple Yadav joined the protest alongside other MPs from her party. During the demonstration, the police attempted to halt the protesters’ advance by erecting barricades. It was at this point that a heated exchange took place between Dimple Yadav and the police.

A Black Day for Democracy
Speaking to the media after the protest, Dimple Yadav launched a scathing attack on the central government and the police action. She alleged that force was used against the protesting students and declared that the day would be remembered as a “black day” for democracy. Dimple Yadav stated that several students were injured during the police action. According to her, while some police personnel were merely performing their duties, others used excessive force. She further alleged that female students were mistreated, claiming that the clothes of some female students were even torn during the incident.

Demand for Education Minister’s Resignation
Holding the central government responsible for the entire episode, Dimple Yadav demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. She stated that the government must fix accountability in this matter and ensure an impartial inquiry into the incidents involving the students. She asserted that the country would be governed by the Constitution, not by any specific ideology. She alleged that attempts were made to suppress the voices of students who were protesting peacefully. Commending the students participating in the protest, Dimple Yadav noted that they had arrived in Delhi from various parts of the country to peacefully voice their concerns. She remarked that the students’ enthusiasm and their effort to express themselves democratically were praiseworthy, and she saluted all those who raised their voices in support of their demands.

Protest Continued Even After Detention
According to SP leaders, the MPs and activists detained during the protest were released later. Even while in custody, opposition leaders continued their protest and raised slogans in support of the students. The party stated that it would vigorously raise this issue both inside and outside Parliament.

SP Protest in Lucknow Too
The repercussions of the events at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar were also felt in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Responding to a call by the SP’s state leadership, a large number of leaders and activists gathered near Civil Hospital and marched to Hazratganj Crossing. The protesters raised slogans against the Central Government and opposed the action taken at Jantar Mantar. The SP alleged that the police forcibly removed activists during the protest and subsequently detained them, taking them to Eco Garden. According to the party, the activists continued their protest even after being detained and reiterated their demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister.