VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html NEW DELHI: The protests are over. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned as Union education minister. A slew of reform measures have been announced. Jantar Mantar is now clear of protesters. So, is the fight against NEET-UG paper leak over? Perhaps not. While the CJP led by Abhijeet Dipke has promised to keep a close eye on developments going forward, the opposition parties have signalled that they will keep the pressure going.As the government and the opposition brace for the second week of the monsoon session from Monday, the stage has been set for the Round 2 of this confrontation.The government, armed with a slew of reform measures in the last few days, is all prepared to counter the opposition offensive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has himself led this fightback. His video selfie messages to the youth, the latest of which on Sunday evening announced the setting up of a task force for exam reforms, is an indication that the government is reaching out directly to the students to blunt the opposition attacks.CJP Jantar Mantar Protest UpdatesDharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union education minister amid massive student protests’We won’t go’: CJP’s Dipke says protests to continue till all demands metFresh clashes at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan’s exit; tear gas fired, stones peltedAhead of the monsoon session, the BJP-led NDA had managed to put the opposition on the backfoot by increasing its numbers in both the Houses of Parliament with some smart political manoeuvres in West Bengal, Maharashtra and Punjab. But as the session started, the students’ protest upset all its calculations and, for the government, the first week was anything but disappointing if not out of control.While the BJP-led NDA was all geared up to fight the opposition inside Parliament, it could not assess the fact that the youth who effectively took up the opposition space outside Parliament were a bigger challenge. The late realisation perhaps powered the course correction and the government sacrificed a minister in a rare acceptance of pressure.So far so good. But the big question now is: Can the opposition sustain the pressure built up by the students’ protest? When monsoon session resumes on Monday – there could be aggression from both sides. The government, having been forced to take a step back, is likely to come back with a vengeance against a “familiar political rival” that it has on several occasions handled with ease. The opposition, meanwhile, will try to build on the momentum created by the youth protests and hope to pile pressure.Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has already set the stage for the Round 2 of the confrontation inside Parliament. Rahul has launched a direct attack on Union home minister Amit Shah, holding him personally responsible for police action and excessive use of force, including allegedly using pellet guns, against student protesters in the national capital.In a letter to Amit Shah, Rahul demanded accountability for what he termed the “barbaric assault” on peacefully protesting students and questioned whether the home minister had approved the use of “lethal force”, including pellet guns, against the youth.The Congress leader alleged that hundreds of students had suffered injuries during the police action and claimed women protesters were assaulted by police personnel.Referring to 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, whom he had met on Friday, Rahul said the student was likely to lose vision in one eye after allegedly being hit by pellets during the July 20 protest.Rahul also sought to know whether men in plainclothes seen beating students with lathis were police personnel or volunteers and who had authorised their deployment, saying “the country is demanding answers”.The other opposition parties are also keen to capitalise on what is being perceived as the government’s “moment of weakness.” Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha deputy leader Ghose submitted a notice under Rule 267 seeking suspension of the day’s business in the Upper House on Monday to allow an immediate discussion on what she described as the “use of excessive force on student protestors during NEET examination protests”.Calling it a matter of grave national importance, Ghose said the right to peaceful protest was a constitutional right, but student protesters had allegedly been subjected to “lethal and semi-lethal force” by security agencies.Her notice also referred to reports of pellet gun injuries, “including the possible loss of vision of one student due to use of the pellet gun by the Rapid Action Force”, and sought answers on who authorised the use of such weapons and what protocols were followed.Rahul’s direct attack on Amit Shah is likely to play out in the House tomorrow. The Union home minister, who was believed to be largely working behind the scenes to defuse the situation, may lead the government offensive inside Parliament.For now, BJP leaders have taken up the cudgels on his behalf. Responding to Gandhi’s letter, BJP leader Mrityunjay Tiwari accused the Congress of trying to exploit the issue for political purposes rather than genuinely standing with students.”They did not do anything for the youth until recently. Now, they raised their voice just to incite agitation. They do not really care about the students. However, the Modi government has ensured that no one can commit any wrongdoing when it comes to the students, who are the future of this nation,” Tiwary said.BJP leader P V N Madhav also criticised Rahul, alleging that the Congress leader was frustrated despite the Centre taking steps to address concerns related to students.”Rahul Gandhi has completely turned mad. PM Narendra Modi has shown a magnanimous move by asking our education minister to resign. It’s a great move because everybody thought otherwise, but PM Narendra Modi never thinks the unthinkable. So, he has done what was needed and has shown solidarity with the entire student community to show that he stands with them,” Madhav said.The government will fight back with the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, listed for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Bill, which was announced by Prime Minister Modi himself in a late-night video selfie, the first from the PM, proposes setting up fast-track courts in every state for paper leak cases and completion of investigations within two months.It also has provisions for enhanced punishment, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks. Organised crimes related to paper leaks could attract fines of up to Rs 10 crore.Clearly, the government has a lot to showcase in terms of actions. Resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, PM Modi’s outreach to the students, new Bill with stringent provisions, fast track courts, task force under Nandan Nilekani, action against NTA officials, shifting out of the education secretary – these measures are going to power the government’s defence and offence. Also, the government will try to shift focus back on issues like Delimitation Bill to gain an upper hand over its political rivals.For the opposition, the July 20 police action against protesters is likely to be the rallying cry. The cops perhaps exceeded their brief in handling the protesters, and the opposition will go all out to ensure that the government does not get a breather, at least for now. The other key issue which the opposition would want to focus on to maintain pressure is the row Ram Mandir donation theft. Over to Parliament now for Round 2 of confrontation in monsoon session.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Did You Approve This?’: Rahul Gandhi BLASTS Amit Shah Over ‘Barbaric Assault’ On Student Protesters’Don’t Cry Later’: Asaduddin Owaisi Makes Alliance Offer To Akhilesh Yadav To Oust BJP In UP PollsDelhi Drain Tragedy: 20-Year-Old US Student Dies After Car Plunges Into DrainKargil Vijay Diwas 2026: How Operation Vijay Transformed India’s Military And Defence Strategy3 Arrested In Assam As STF Cracks Down On Alleged Pakistan-Linked Sleeper Cell NetworkDelhi Approves Rs 6,970-Crore Tunnel Corridor To Cut Airport, Mahipalpur Traffic‘Time To Go Home’: CJP Removes Stage, Urges Protesters To Leave Jantar Mantar’Don’t Waste This Energy On One Resignation’: Yogendra Yadav On CJP Future, ‘Police Brutality’RSS Loyalist Pralhad Joshi Appointed As India’s New Education Minister Hours After Pradhan’s ExitPost Protest, Volunteers Launch Cleanliness Drive At Jantar Mantar123Photostories”They had..in the afternoon and with veggies and sambar in the evening”: R Madhavan reveals his grandparents’ staple food they ate till the age of 82; 6 South Indian ways to include it in your dietThe country that inspired the Mediterranean diet is now battling a childhood obesity crisis. 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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the constitution of a high-powered task force headed by technology expert Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms aimed at making India’s examination system more reliable, transparent and technology-driven.In a video message addressed to students, the PM Modi said the government had already taken several steps to safeguard the future of students, including action against those involved in examination malpractice, the establishment of fast-track courts and the introduction of tougher legal provisions through new legislation.”The Government of India is continuously taking various measures for the future of students. CJP Jantar Mantar Protest UpdatesDharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union education minister amid massive student protests’We won’t go’: CJP’s Dipke says protests to continue till all demands metFresh clashes at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan’s exit; tear gas fired, stones peltedThose who tampered with the students’ future are languishing in jail. We have already established fast-track courts. We are also moving towards enacting new legislation in Parliament that incorporates stringent legal provisions. However, we must look to the future. Our examination system needs to be reliable and transparent, and it must make maximum use of technology. Keeping all these factors in mind, we have decided to constitute a high-powered task force under the leadership of the world-renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani. This task force will focus on examination reforms, and based on its report, steps will be taken to ensure the credibility of upcoming examinations at the earliest,” PM Modi said.The announcement comes amid the Centre’s push to strengthen the examination process following recent controversies over irregularities in competitive examinations. The government has also proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, providing for time-bound investigations, fast-track trials and enhanced penalties for paper leaks and organised examination fraud.The Nandan Nilekani-led task force is expected to examine the use of technology and recommend systemic reforms to improve transparency, credibility and efficiency in the conduct of public examinations across the country. Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Did You Approve This?’: Rahul Gandhi BLASTS Amit Shah Over ‘Barbaric Assault’ On Student Protesters’Don’t Cry Later’: Asaduddin Owaisi Makes Alliance Offer To Akhilesh Yadav To Oust BJP In UP PollsDelhi Drain Tragedy: 20-Year-Old US Student Dies After Car Plunges Into DrainKargil Vijay Diwas 2026: How Operation Vijay Transformed India’s Military And Defence Strategy3 Arrested In Assam As STF Cracks Down On Alleged Pakistan-Linked Sleeper Cell NetworkDelhi Approves Rs 6,970-Crore Tunnel Corridor To Cut Airport, Mahipalpur Traffic‘Time To Go Home’: CJP Removes Stage, Urges Protesters To Leave Jantar Mantar’Don’t Waste This Energy On One Resignation’: Yogendra Yadav On CJP Future, ‘Police Brutality’RSS Loyalist Pralhad Joshi Appointed As India’s New Education Minister Hours After Pradhan’s ExitPost Protest, Volunteers Launch Cleanliness Drive At Jantar Mantar123PhotostoriesBefore you throw away coconut shells, try these 7 clever garden ideas insteadOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first in this picture tells how you approach problems in your life (there is a bonus hidden too)Why Red Wine should always be allowed to breathe before drinking—this is what happens inside the bottle and the glassThinking of dating a coworker? 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Check date, timings and significance Thousands of Himachal Pradesh teachers launch indefinite hunger strike in Shimla against School Complex System | Shimla News Romania Drone Shootdown: ‘Inadmissible and intolerable’: Romania shoots down third suspected Russian drone in three days, summons Moscow’s envoy Quote of the day by Daniel Craig: ‘I’m one of the least competitive people you’ll ever meet. Except with myself,’ a powerful life lesson from the ‘James Bond’ actor that highlights the greatest competition is always with yourself Sawan 2026: What To Offer To Lord Shiva for Peace, Health and Prosperity Scientists tracked the world’s mangroves from the 1980s to 2023 and found natural regrowth has quietly reversed decades of decline FBI’s ‘most wanted’ suspect in $32 million Covid fraud arrested in Jamaica: Kash Patel A student protest rally turned violent in Kolkata on Friday (PTI) NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday alleged that the violence during a protest rally in Kolkata over the NEET question paper leak was orchestrated by “Islamic fundamentalists,” claiming they may have been supported by “foreign forces.”Adhikari made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Nandigram after attending a programme to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, marking the 27th anniversary of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War.Claiming that those involved in the violence had no connection to the student-led agitation, he said, “There is no connection between these people and the movement. They are not students. They are Jamaati (Islamic) fundamentalists. CJP Jantar Mantar Protest UpdatesDharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union education minister amid massive student protests’We won’t go’: CJP’s Dipke says protests to continue till all demands metFresh clashes at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan’s exit; tear gas fired, stones peltedProbe agencies will determine whether foreign forces backed them.””The violence may have been fuelled by resentment over several decisions of the BJP government in the state, including action against unregistered madrassas, implementation of court directions relating to OBC certificates, enforcement of cattle slaughter laws and measures to curb noise pollution,” he added.Referring to the assault on a journalist during the protest, Adhikari alleged that media personnel were “deliberately targeted” and that there were “attempts on their lives.”Clashes erupted between Left-backed protesters and police during the demonstration, prompting security forces to resort to baton charges and fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.The West Bengal government invoked its newly enacted anti-goonda law against those accused of orchestrating the violence during the protest, with the chief minister warning that they would face punishment “their next three generations will remember.”Adhikari had earlier told the assembly that around 70 people identified from the rally were “not students” and had no connection with the agitation over the alleged NEET question paper leak.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Don’t Cry Later’: Asaduddin Owaisi Makes Alliance Offer To Akhilesh Yadav To Oust BJP In UP PollsDelhi Drain Tragedy: 20-Year-Old US Student Dies After Car Plunges Into DrainKargil Vijay Diwas 2026: How Operation Vijay Transformed India’s Military And Defence Strategy3 Arrested In Assam As STF Cracks Down On Alleged Pakistan-Linked Sleeper Cell NetworkDelhi Approves Rs 6,970-Crore Tunnel Corridor To Cut Airport, Mahipalpur Traffic‘Time To Go Home’: CJP Removes Stage, Urges Protesters To Leave Jantar Mantar’Don’t Waste This Energy On One Resignation’: Yogendra Yadav On CJP Future, ‘Police Brutality’RSS Loyalist Pralhad Joshi Appointed As India’s New Education Minister Hours After Pradhan’s ExitPost Protest, Volunteers Launch Cleanliness Drive At Jantar Mantar’Wangchuk, Dipke Joined AISA’s Protest’: Harsh Dubey On NEET, Reservation, Jantar Mantar Protest123PhotostoriesWhy Red Wine should always be allowed to breathe before drinking—this is what happens inside the bottle and the glassThinking of dating a coworker? These 8 rules can save your relationship and your career“Talk to your baby as if they understand you”: Pediatrician shares 5 simple habits that may support your baby’s brain development5 natural foods that can kill cockroaches instantlyAriana Grande, Celine Dion, Katy Perry and more: Musicians who slammed the White House over unauthorised use of their songsInside Krushna Abhishek’s lavish Mumbai home: A massive living room, elegant interiors and moreIran ended visa-free entry for Indians, and it wasn’t the only country to tighten travel rules in 2026; three more countries quietly followed8 Plants that quietly attract sunbirds to Indian balconies5 relationship lessons people often learn only after heartbreakWhat happens when you knead roti dough with hot water and salt? 3 secrets to keep rotis soft for hours123Hot PicksSchool holiday todayDelhi metroCJP ProtestMumbai rainGujarat RainAIIMS notificationNEET paper controversyAAI recruitment 2026Caitline ClarkTop TrendingMP NEET Arpirant RapeNEET Paper LeakCJP Protester AssaultedKerala IPS Ajith Kumar SuspensionAssam Flood DeathsDelhi Metro Stations ClosedMumbai ProtestUP Amroha WeddingHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 Raveena Tandon criticises protests in some states which were hijacked by hooligans, political parties, some just wanting to make reels: ‘Ultimately, it was a victory for the rightful demands’ A family trip to Udaipur turned tragic after a 2-year-old girl fell from a hotel window; here’s what every parent should know First Sawan Somwar 2026: Time, Puja Vidhi, Rules and Shiv Mantra for Jalabhishek These fish are born female and later become male; heavy fishing may be changing them at the molecular level Dharmendra Pradhan; Siddaramaiah Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has claimed that former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan had offered to step down on the first day of the protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.Former Karnataka chief minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah has announced that he will not contest the 2028 Karnataka assembly elections, citing his advancing age, declining health and what he described as “growing corruption in politics.At least four workers were killed and several others injured in a massive explosion, suspected to have been caused by a gas cylinder blast, at a rod manufacturing unit in Assam’s Cachar district.Typhoon Noul made landfall in southern China’s Guangdong province, causing widespread disruption, prompting mass evacuations and triggering emergency relief operations as powerful winds and torrential rains lashed several provinces.The selection of India’s Test squad for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August has been affected by multiple injury concerns and fitness issues involving several key players.Here are top 5 stories of the day:Pradhan offered to quit on first day of student protest? BJP leader’s big claimMadhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said Dharmendra Pradhan had informed the BJP leadership that he was willing to resign if the party believed it was necessary. “On the first day, as soon as the student agitation began, Pradhan had told the BJP president that if he felt it was necessary, he was ready to resign as education minister,” Vijayvargiya said. Read full story here’I won’t contest 2028 assembly polls’: Ex-Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah cites age, health, and ‘corrupt politics’In a post on X, Siddaramaiah, 79, said he would remain active in public life but had decided not to seek electoral office again. “Since the political field has become corrupted today, I will not contest in the 2028 assembly elections. CJP Jantar Mantar Protest UpdatesDharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union education minister amid massive student protests’We won’t go’: CJP’s Dipke says protests to continue till all demands metFresh clashes at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan’s exit; tear gas fired, stones peltedHowever, remaining active in politics, I will continue to stand as a voice for the people’s hardships and joys,” he wrote. Read full story here4 killed, several injured in massive explosion at Assam rod manufacturing unitThe blast occurred at around 11.30 am at the Kade Global Infrastructure LLP in Pangram under the Udharband police station limits. The powerful explosion ripped through parts of the factory, leaving multiple workers injured, officials said. Rescue teams, along with police and local authorities, rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief operations. Read full story hereBaby crib sent flying, 800,000 flee: Typhoon Noul hits China, 10 dead; scary visuals emergeChinese authorities activated disaster relief measures and relocated more than 800,000 people in Guangdong, while transport services were severely affected in Hong Kong, where hundreds of flights and train services were cancelled.High-speed rail services and flights across Guangdong were also cancelled after the typhoon made landfall. Read full story hereIndia Test squad hit by injury crisis ahead of Sri Lanka tour; Bumrah, Sundar face fitness raceAccording to sources in the BCCI, in a big blow for India considering that there are likely to be spin-friendly pitches on both the Tests, off-spinning allrounder Washington Sundar is unavailable for the first Test due to a right hamstring injury. Read full story hereGet the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Don’t Cry Later’: Asaduddin Owaisi Makes Alliance Offer To Akhilesh Yadav To Oust BJP In UP PollsDelhi Drain Tragedy: 20-Year-Old US Student Dies After Car Plunges Into DrainKargil Vijay Diwas 2026: How Operation Vijay Transformed India’s Military And Defence Strategy3 Arrested In Assam As STF Cracks Down On Alleged Pakistan-Linked Sleeper Cell NetworkDelhi Approves Rs 6,970-Crore Tunnel Corridor To Cut Airport, Mahipalpur Traffic‘Time To Go Home’: CJP Removes Stage, Urges Protesters To Leave Jantar Mantar’Don’t Waste This Energy On One Resignation’: Yogendra Yadav On CJP Future, ‘Police Brutality’RSS Loyalist Pralhad Joshi Appointed As India’s New Education Minister Hours After Pradhan’s ExitPost Protest, Volunteers Launch Cleanliness Drive At Jantar Mantar’Wangchuk, Dipke Joined AISA’s Protest’: Harsh Dubey On NEET, Reservation, Jantar Mantar Protest123PhotostoriesWhy Red Wine should always be allowed to breathe before drinking—this is what happens inside the bottle and the glassThinking of dating a coworker? These 8 rules can save your relationship and your career“Talk to your baby as if they understand you”: Pediatrician shares 5 simple habits that may support your baby’s brain development5 natural foods that can kill cockroaches instantlyAriana Grande, Celine Dion, Katy Perry and more: Musicians who slammed the White House over unauthorised use of their songsInside Krushna Abhishek’s lavish Mumbai home: A massive living room, elegant interiors and moreIran ended visa-free entry for Indians, and it wasn’t the only country to tighten travel rules in 2026; three more countries quietly followed8 Plants that quietly attract sunbirds to Indian balconies5 relationship lessons people often learn only after heartbreakWhat happens when you knead roti dough with hot water and salt? 3 secrets to keep rotis soft for hours123Hot PicksSchool holiday todayDelhi metroCJP ProtestMumbai rainGujarat RainAIIMS notificationNEET paper controversyAAI recruitment 2026Caitline ClarkTop TrendingMP NEET Arpirant RapeNEET Paper LeakCJP Protester AssaultedKerala IPS Ajith Kumar SuspensionAssam Flood DeathsDelhi Metro Stations ClosedMumbai ProtestUP Amroha WeddingHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi threatens to leave T20 league after left out of ‘Impact Player’ list, reports issue to anti-corruption Unit Jaaved Jaaferi explains why Bollywood is bringing back big ensemble cast films like ‘Dhamaal 4’ and ‘Welcome To The Jungle’: ‘I suppose we are going back to the circus’ Overlooking Udaipur’s iconic Lake Pichola, this heritage hotel is where a 2-year-old lost her life after falling; travel safety lessons every parent should know Slash-and-burn farming was blamed for destroying rainforests, but a study of 18,000 forest patches found community rules can limit clearing and allow trees to return Housing society fines: Who pays when the flat is rented — owner or tenant? | ‘Govt-ordered probe an eyewash’: Tripura Congress MLA demands judicial inquiry into DGP Anurag Dhankar’s death | India News Will Travis Kelce’s marriage to Taylor Swift affect his NFL career? Here’s what reports suggest Class 10 girl from Andhra Pradesh gets selected among 12,000 applicants across 108 countries to join Mission ShakthiSAT: What is the program about and how did she get in? July 26 Numerology Portal: The Mysterious 7-3-1 Ritual for One Powerful Wish Russia uses sexual torture as systematic weapon against Ukrainian men: Report Five brightly coloured chocolate products shaped like cars, hearts, butterflies and ladybirds have been recalled across Britain because their labels fail to declare milk and soya. What are MP’s chita protests? Ken-Betwa row explainedWhat are MP’s chita protests? Ken-Betwa row explainedWhat are MP’s chita protests? Ken-Betwa row explainedWhat are MP’s chita protests? Ken-Betwa row explainedWhat are MP’s chita protests? Ken-Betwa row explained12 NEW DELHI: They first stood in the river. Then they lay beside funeral pyres. When that, too, failed to draw a response, they climbed symbolic gallows.Over the past month, the ‘Chita Andolan’ in Madhya Pradesh has transformed an otherwise local land acquisition dispute into one of the country’s most striking protest movements, that was forcefully ended by the administration, citing threats to protesters due to rising water levels.Its haunting imagery, however, has thrown a spotlight on the repercussions that the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, a flagship infrastructure initiative that promises water security for millions but has also triggered a fierce battle over compensation, will have on the locals, questioning the rehabilitation and the rights of tribal communities facing displacement.The movement gathered further attention after activist Amit Bhatnagar completed an 18-day hunger strike, insisting he had only suspended—not ended—his fast because “until the last person gets justice, the fast will continue.”CJP Jantar Mantar Protest UpdatesDharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union education minister amid massive student protests’We won’t go’: CJP’s Dipke says protests to continue till all demands metFresh clashes at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan’s exit; tear gas fired, stones peltedBhatnagar broke the hunger strike because villagers, especially women and children and 400 leading social activists from across the country, including Medha Patkar appealed to him since his health had started deteriorating. But it was the government’s assurance of a fresh survey to include the names of those left out from rehabilitation that changed his decision.Bhatnagar’s protest became the face of growing resistance to the ‘Ken-Betwa River Linking Project’, India’s first river-linking initiative under the National Perspective Plan. The Centre and the Madhya Pradesh government hail the project as a landmark intervention that will transform the drought-prone Bundelkhand region through irrigation, drinking water supply and power generation. But for thousands of tribal families living in its path, it has become a battle over land, forests, livelihoods and identity.Over the past month, villagers have staged some of the country’s most striking demonstrations. They stood waist-deep in river water in ‘Jal Satyagraha’, lay beside symbolic funeral pyres in the ‘Chita Andolan’ and even climbed symbolic gallows in a ‘Faansi Satyagraha’. Police eventually cleared the protest site on July 19, citing safety concerns due to rising water levels in the Barana river. Protesters alleged they were forcibly removed, while the administration maintained that the evacuation was necessary to prevent loss of life.The movement has revived questions India has wrestled with since the Narmada Bachao Andolan: Can large infrastructure projects be built without sacrificing the rights of the communities that bear their greatest costs? TIMELINE | Ken-Betwa ProjectA project decades in the makingThe Ken-Betwa Link Project has its origins in the National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers proposed in 1980. After decades of planning, agreements and environmental clearances, the Union Cabinet approved the project in 2021, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone in December 2024.The project proposed to transfer what the government describes as surplus water from the Ken river to the Betwa river through the Daudhan Dam, tunnels and a 221-kilometre canal.The project is expected to irrigate 10.61 lakh hectares, providing drinking water to around 65 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, generating 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power and reduce the chronic water scarcity that has plagued Bundelkhand for decades.Officials argue that it will boost agricultural productivity, reduce migration and improve groundwater recharge by restoring historical Chandela-era ponds.For supporters, however, it is a long-awaited solution to one of central India’s most persistent development challenges. The surplus water of Ken River will be transferred to Betwa River through the 221 km long link canal from Daudhan Dam, providing irrigation and drinking water facilities in both MP and UP.Why are people protesting?For many tribal families in Chhatarpur and Panna districts, the project threatens the loss of ancestral land without adequate rehabilitation.Bhatnagar says the issue extends far beyond compensation. “Our demand is that people should be given land in exchange for land. But even if the government only fulfils what it has committed, that much should at least be delivered.”He argues that tribal communities who depend on forests cannot rebuild their lives simply through financial assistance. “People who are being displaced from forests should either be resettled in forest areas or, at the very least, they should be given land and a village to live in. That has been our main demand from the beginning.”The state government had announced an in-principle increase in the rehabilitation package from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 12.5 lakh per eligible displaced family, with a formal notification expected.Bhatnagar, however, says the revised compensation alone does not solve the problem. “The way these people lived in forests and depended on the forest, simply giving them Rs 12.5 lakh is not enough.”He claims many displaced villagers have little experience navigating land markets and are vulnerable to exploitation. “Unscrupulous people are misleading them by offering fake land at cheap prices. They end up buying fake land or fake houses. Later they discover that the property itself was fraudulent. They lose both their money and then get trapped in legal disputes.” TIMELINE | CHITA ANDOLANOne of the biggest disagreements concerns the number of affected families. The government estimates that around 7,100 families are affected by the Ken-Betwa project. Bhatnagar disputes that figure.”In the Ken-Betwa project, the government says there are 7,100 affected families. But the actual number is around 10,000, in fact more than 10,000. If we talk about all the projects together, nearly 50,000 people have been affected.”He alleges that survey teams have excluded genuine beneficiaries. “The survey teams have included the names of many fake beneficiaries. For example, in one village where Rs 11 crore was sanctioned for housing compensation, Rs 8 crore went to fake beneficiaries, while only Rs 3 crore reached the actual villagers.”While the administration has rejected allegations of corruption, a fresh survey team was announced to identify families who may have been left out. TOI reached out to Chhatarpur district magistrate and is still awaiting a response from the administration. We will update the story accordingly.The govt’s fresh assurances made Bhatnagar suspend his hunger strike. “The administration did whatever it could from its side. It formed a new survey team for those people who had been left out. Our farmers’ organisation has also been included in that survey team so that the names of everyone who was left out can be properly verified.””We remain hopeful. But the officers and employees working for the government function very slowly. Their pens don’t move unless money is involved. We have faith in the government. But if the government does not do this, then our protest will continue,” he warned, despite being hopeful. The unique protest has drawn national attention.How the ‘Chita Andolan’ was bornPerhaps the most striking aspect of the movement has been its symbolism.The image of tribal families lying beside funeral pyres captured national attention and prompted comparisons with the Narmada Bachao Andolan’s iconic Jal Satyagrahas.Bhatnagar says the idea emerged after protesters felt every avenue of democratic dissent had been blocked. “Wherever we tried to protest, Section 144 notices were imposed. People were intimidated. When we were trying to go to Delhi, we were stopped, our vehicles fined, our entire stock of rations looted. We were stopped at several places.”He alleges that even after the movement got restricted to the villages, essential supplies were cut off. “Food and water were cut off. Water tankers were removed. Even the borewell that was supplying water was shut down. We were forced to drink river water.”Then came the thought that gave the protest its name.”If they are trying to kill us anyway, if our own government wants us to die, then let us light our own funeral pyre,” said Bhatnagar.As restrictions tightened, the forms of protest evolved.”There were other forms of protest too, like standing in the river. Then the Jal Satyagraha began. After that, they stopped our ration, food, medicines and even doctors from reaching us. Then they threatened us, saying they would hang us. So we ourselves climbed onto the gallows. That is how one form of protest after another kept evolving.”Why was the protest site clearedThe protest took another turn on July 19, when police dispersed demonstrators. Officials said continuous rainfall had raised the river level, making the site unsafe, and shifted Bhatnagar to hospital after his health deteriorated.Bhatnagar alleges that women were injured during the operation. “Women’s sarees were torn, many women lost their mangalsutras, and many people were injured. Naturally, there is a lot of anger among the people,” he said.Despite the anger, he insists the movement remains committed to non-violence.”We follow Gandhian principles and believe in democratic values. We do not want such things. Yes, there is tremendous anger. There is pain. Our effort is to maintain a balance between that pain and anger, and to ensure that people get justice through the right path,” he said.More than one projectWhile public attention has focused on the Ken-Betwa link, Bhatnagar says the movement also represents people affected by the Majhgaon and Runjh irrigation projects.”There are five such projects in Chhatarpur and Panna where the law has not been followed.”He says surveys have restarted only in a limited area. “Right now, this process has begun only in a small area, in 11 villages of the Chhatarpur project. The people of Panna district have not yet received any response.”The larger debateThe Ken-Betwa project has also faced criticism from environmental groups concerned about the impact of the Daudhan Dam on parts of the Panna Tiger Reserve. Conservationists have questioned forest submergence and biodiversity loss, while the government says all necessary environmental clearances have been obtained and mitigation measures are in place.Ultimately, the dispute has become larger than one dam or one canal.It reflects a recurring question in India’s development journey: Can projects that promise benefits for millions be implemented without leaving displaced communities behind?For the government, the Ken-Betwa project is a blueprint for India’s future water security.For many tribal families living along the Barana river, it is a fight to ensure that development does not come at the cost of their homes, livelihoods and identity.As survey teams begin their work once again, the project’s success may ultimately depend not only on engineering but on whether the promises of rehabilitation and justice reach every family that stands to lose the most.Get the latest India News and Live updates. 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