Gen Z Daughters of NDA Politicians Join Student Protests Against Exam Leaks
In a rare display of dissent within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the daughters of several prominent politicians have openly participated in youth-led protests against recent exam paper leaks. The protests, which have drawn thousands of students across India, intensified pressure on the government, leading to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on July 23.
Among those who joined a demonstration in Guwahati was Dibisa Mahanta, daughter of Assam Cabinet Minister and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Keshab Mahanta. In videos from the protest, Dibisa can be heard raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and calling for justice. She expressed pride in the students' bravery, despite police using lathi-charge and tear gas to control the crowd.
Another prominent voice is Archita Sachin Rahar, daughter of BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi from Bhubaneswar. Archita shared an Instagram story celebrating Pradhan's resignation, which she later deleted after her mother intervened. The MP described the post as inadvertent.
Yashaswinee Raje Singh, daughter of former Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Vikram Singh, has also been critical of the party on social media. Her father declined to comment.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, when asked about the protests, defended the autonomy of adult children. 'How can I be answerable for what my children say? My own brother does not agree with anything I say,' he said. He added that while he was saddened by the criticism of the Prime Minister, the issue would be addressed directly with the individual, not the parent.
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, have highlighted the anger among youth over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive exams. The involvement of politicians' children underscores the widespread nature of the discontent.
