Assam Minister's Daughter Joins Protest, CM Sarma Says Parents Not Responsible for Children’s Actions

After the daughter of an Assam minister participated in a protest in Guwahati demanding the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed that the minister not be "harassed over it" and said parents should not be held accountable for their children's actions.

A demonstration in support of the protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding Pradhan's resignation, was held on Thursday at Chachal, Guwahati's designated protest venue, under heavy police and CRPF deployment.

Daughter's Protest Draws Public Attention

Dibisa Mahanta, the daughter of Assam Cabinet Minister Keshab Mahanta, was among the hundreds of protesters and drew attention as pictures and videos of the event went viral on social media.

Mahanta, a representative of the Asom Gana Parishad, a regional ally of the BJP, is the Minister for General Administration, Science, Technology and Climate Change, and Revenue and Disaster Management.

Dibisa Calls For Justice

Dibisa is seen in alleged footage raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and calling for "justice".

In another video, she can purportedly be heard saying, 

“It is very sad, and I cannot express how bad I feel about the violence that is going on. The students just wanted to hold a peaceful protest, which turned violent. There was a lathi-charge, there was tear gas, everything happened, but I want to say that I’m so proud of each and every student who showed up that day and showed their bravery. They inspired me to come out here.”

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to a reporter's question during a news conference on Saturday night, while Keshab Mahanta, who is involved in flood relief efforts, has not commented on the issue.

Police Detain Six Protesters

At least six people were detained by the Assam Police in connection with the protest on charges of endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, promoting enmity among different groups, and criminal conspiracy.

However, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on Saturday, following days of youth-led demonstrations in Delhi and other areas of the nation.