Anna Hazare Holds ‘Maun Vrat’ In Support Of Protesting Students, Urges Dharmendra Pradhan To Resign

Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 17:25 IST

A day earlier, Hazare had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the reports of violence and police action against protesters as "extremely painful."

Social Activist Anna Hazare on Thursday observed a two-hour “maun vrat" (silent protest) in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar to express solidarity with students protesting in New Delhi demanding accountability for repeated examination paper leaks and seeking resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Despite being unwell, Hazare joined the protest to extend his moral support to the students but left the venue due to health concerns. Hazare began the protest at 11 am near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Ahilyanagar and concluded it at 1 pm, news agency IANS reported.

A day earlier, Hazare had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the reports of violence and police action against protesters as “extremely painful."

In his letter, Hazare said the resentment among the protesters should be seen “not as a law and order problem, but as the agony and expectations of society." He also said that if Pradhan were asked to resign, “it will not cause the government to fall; rather, it will make its functioning more accountable and effective."

Hazare urged the government to “listen to the protesters patiently, create an atmosphere of trust, and find solutions through positive dialogue."

Speaking to reporters after his silent protest, Hazare said he had written to the Prime Minister because he is “the supreme leader and should be apprised of people’s issues."

CJP Protest

Students from across the country and activists of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an online satirical collective, have been protesting at Jantar Mantar and others parts of Central Delhi demanding accountability for repeated examination paper leaks and also seeking resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Meanwhile, security remained tight across central Delhi as students and activists of the CJP continued their protest at Jantar Mantar.

Authorities maintained heavy police deployment in the area following clashes earlier this week. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation kept 16 Metro stations closed, while shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place were advised to shut BY 6:30 PM amid security concerns.

The protests have witnessed allegations of excessive police force, counter-allegations of violence by protesters, detentions and widespread disruption across parts of the national capital.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre...Read More

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