Naimisha Pradhan, daughter of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has disabled her Instagram account following an online backlash amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest demanding the minister’s resignation over alleged examination irregularities.
The criticism intensified after the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest in New Delhi, during which police action against demonstrators sparked widespread political debate and social media campaigns.
Social media users target posts linked to Naimisha Pradhan
According to reports, social media users located Naimisha Pradhan’s Instagram profile and flooded the comments section of her posts with messages demanding accountability from the Union Education Minister.
Several users also questioned her decision to pursue higher education abroad, arguing that it reflected concerns about India’s education system.
Naimisha completed her Master of Laws (LLM) from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Massachusetts, in 2023. She currently works as a Senior Associate at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).
Some users also posted comments on Tufts University’s social media pages, raising slogans against Dharmendra Pradhan and calling for action against his daughter.
Many users oppose targeting family members
While criticism continued online, many social media users argued that family members of public officials should not be targeted over political issues.
One user wrote that criticism should remain focused on elected representatives rather than their relatives.
“Dragging a family member into it, especially someone who isn’t the decision-maker, crosses a line. Criticise those in power, question their actions and demand accountability,” the post stated.
The debate has since triggered wider discussions on the limits of political criticism and online harassment directed at the families of public figures.
Dharmendra Pradhan defends government’s stand
Reacting to the ongoing protests for the first time, Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Congress of politicising student concerns.
In a post on X, the Union minister alleged that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress were attempting to create confrontation despite the government’s willingness to discuss the NEET issue in Parliament.
Pradhan said the Centre remains committed to addressing genuine concerns related to examinations and education reforms.
“We owe our students more than outrage. We owe them answers, reforms and accountability. That is exactly what our government remains committed to delivering,” he said.
CJP protest continues
The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar has entered its fifth week, with demonstrators continuing to demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, examination reforms, compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide, the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, and withdrawal of legal action against peaceful protesters.
The agitation has also become a major political flashpoint during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
