Anna Hazare Advocates Non-Violence Amid NEET Paper Leak Protests

In a recent statement, social activist Anna Hazare stressed that violence is not a solution to issues, particularly in light of the NEET paper leak protests. He supported the students' call for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and condemned the police's use of force against demonstrators. Hazare reiterated his commitment to non-violence, sharing his history of hunger strikes, and emphasized the importance of accountability among elected officials. His remarks come as tensions rise over the handling of the NEET controversy, urging for dialogue rather than suppression of student voices.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 23, 2026, 20:03 IST

Anna Hazare's Call for Peaceful Resolution

Social activist Anna Hazare emphasized on Thursday that violence is not a solution to any issue. He expressed his support for the students' demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amidst the NEET paper leak controversy. Hazare condemned the police's use of force against protesters in Delhi.

Following his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging dialogue with the protesting students instead of suppressing their voices, Hazare reiterated his stance on non-violence.

He stated, "I have written to Prime Minister Modi that any issue can be resolved through non-violence. Violence will only exacerbate problems. I have adhered to non-violence, having undertaken 22 hunger strikes without resorting to violence. In support of students regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET exam, I believe the education minister should resign."

Students' Demands and Accountability

Hazare insisted that, as per the students' demands, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should step down. He highlighted that students, representing the youth power of the nation, should be utilized effectively. "If you take the wrong path, the outcomes will also be wrong. He should resign," he asserted.

Emphasizing the accountability of elected representatives, Hazare remarked, "The public is the master, and ministers are public servants. Whenever there is a need for action, if the public feels it should happen and a significant number demand it, then it should be done."

Criticism of Police Action

Regarding the police action during the protests led by CJP at Jantar Mantar on July 20, Hazare criticized the Delhi police's use of force, stating, "It was wrong. Using batons is unacceptable. I have led many protests, but such situations have never arisen. There has never been a baton charge or violence. I cannot currently say whether the government is misusing its power; an investigation should be conducted."