Kolkata Witnesses Clashes Between Police and Student Protesters Over Education Minister
Violent clashes broke out in Kolkata's Esplanade area on Friday, July 24, 2026, leaving several people injured as police used tear gas and batons to disperse a march demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Thousands of supporters of various student organisations and political parties, including Left-affiliated groups, took to the streets in solidarity with protests in Delhi. They demanded Mr. Pradhan's resignation, justice for students injured during police action at Jantar Mantar earlier this week, and the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The march began at Sealdah railway station, drawing students and citizens from diverse backgrounds. Participants carried placards, portraits of national icons, and copies of the Constitution, while singing songs like 'We Shall Overcome'.
"The education system is unfair. We are only asking for a fair system accessible to every student," said Udita Goswami, a 23-year-old Zoology student at the rally. Another protester, Garima Kundu, a 47-year-old engineer and mother of a 12-year-old, said, "She will grow up and want a good career. With people like Mr. Pradhan in charge, my daughter will never be able to establish herself."
The protest turned violent after demonstrators reached Esplanade and began a sit-in at Dorina Crossing. Police attempted to disperse the crowd using batons and tear gas, according to officials. Some protesters responded by throwing shoes and bottles. Several protesters, police personnel, and journalists were injured. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and paramilitary personnel were later deployed to restore order.
Protesters later announced an indefinite sit-in at Rani Rashmani Road until Mr. Pradhan resigns. Additional Police Commissioner Kunal Aggarwal said the situation was under control and that police were in talks with the protesters to clear the area and minimise public inconvenience.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described the protesters as "anti-national" and said such activities would not be tolerated. "In just 10 weeks, we will drive these anti-nationals out of Bengal," he told reporters. Several BJP leaders also accused the protesters of hooliganism.
