Hundreds of people gathered in Kochi, Kerala to show solidarity with the student protest in Delhi

Students and activists gathered in solidarity with NEET aspirants protesting alleged irregularities in the examination during a demonstration at High Court Junction in Ernakulam. | Photo credit: RK Nithin

Hundreds, including techies, students, writers, artists and activists, gathered here on Thursday (July 23, 2026) in solidarity with the ongoing student protests in New Delhi triggered by the leak of NEET question papers.

At the Kerala High Court junction, supporters held copies of the Indian Constitution and raised slogans amplifying the demands raised by student protesters in New Delhi. Actor Mathew Thomas urged everyone to highlight the issues raised by the student protesters and give them maximum coverage through various platforms.

Writer NE Sudheer said the country should not be left to fascist ideals propagated by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Bharatiya Janata Party. He said the Constitution of India guarantees the right to peaceful protests against injustice.

Members of Progressive Techies, a collective of IT professionals, stand in solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar during a demonstration outside Infopark in Kochi. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Infopark technicians gathered to support the student protest in New Delhi. They held placards against police brutality on student protesters. Anish Panthalani, president of the Progressive Techies collective, said students protested in New Delhi against flaws in the country’s education system, characterized by paper leaks and corruption. He condemned the police crackdown on the protesters and said it violated the fundamental rights of citizens.

Technicians who took part in the protest near the open gym at Infopark said the students protesting in the state capital must get justice. They are fighting for justice and everyone should support them, they added.

Members of SFI district committee march to BSNL office in Ernakulam demanding acceptance of their bill of rights and resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. | Photo credit: RK Nithin

The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) also staged demonstrations in solidarity with the student protest.

A march by SFÚ activists to the BSNL office in the city demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was stopped by the police. Tensions flared after the agitators tried to tear down the barricades. Police used tear gas to disperse the activists. Some protesters were taken into custody. Although the activists dispersed after the firing of tear gas, they gathered again and shouted slogans against the police and the Union government.

KSU activists staged protests across campuses in Ernakulam as part of a state-wide education group against alleged attempts by the Center to quell the student protest demanding Mr. Pradhan’s resignation.

Published – 23 Jul 2026 20:22 IST