![\"DU](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-47529300,imgsize-110164,width-400,height-225,resizemode-75\/47529300.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew Delhi: <\/span>While the demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan<\/a>\u2019s resignation continued amid the ongoing CJP-led agitation, several Delhi University<\/a> (DU) colleges shared posts from their official social media handles backing the minister.The posts came a day after DU, through its official X handle, said students\u2019 concerns were being exploited by \u201cvested interests\u201d.At the same time, student societies and unions in other colleges issued statements, condemning police action on protesters and expressing solidarity with the agitation.Among the colleges that posted messages supporting Pradhan from their official social media handles were Shyam Lal College, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and Rajdhani College, which later took down its post and issued an apology.The posts carried near-identical posters with the headline \u201cWe Stand With Dharmendra Pradhan\u201d, highlighting the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) and other education reforms.One of the posters said, \u201cJust because some thugs have leaked a paper, doesn\u2019t mean he (Pradhan) should be punished. People who leaked the paper must be punished \u2014 strictly and swiftly. \u201cShyam Lal College, in a post on X, congratulated Pradhan for the \u201csuccessful implementation of NEP 2020\u201d, saying the policy had advanced multidisciplinary learning, research, innovation and academic excellence. A similar poster was reposted from the official X account of the principal of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, which said: \u201cWe stand with Hon\u2019ble Education Minister Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan for his commitment to implement NEP and modernising India\u2019s education system... Let us strengthen institutions, not weaken them.\u201dAfter taking down the post, Rajdhani College issued an Instagram story saying: \u201cThe college administration expresses regret over the post shared yesterday from the college\u2019s official Instagram handle. The administration stands with students\u2019 interests and unity and necessary steps will be taken to ensure such situations do not recur.\u201dBhagini Nivedita College principal Prof Ruby Mishra shared a message on Facebook addressed to students that read: \u201cYou are the conscience and the future of Bharat. Ask the toughest questions. Write fearlessly. Research deeply. Debate passionately… Participate in the democratic process with knowledge and integrity. But never allow anger, misinformation, or political passions to lead you toward violence, destruction, or hostility against those who protect our nation.\u201dA similar pro-reforms creative was also shared on WhatsApp by DU\u2019s School of Open Learning director Payal Mago.Prof Neelam Rathi, acting principal of Aditi Mahavidyalaya, posted on social media, urging students to \u201cstay away from any kind of violent protest, vandalism, arson or activities that disturb law and order\u201d, asserting that violence was \u201cnot the solution to any problem\u201d. She appealed to them to express their views through peaceful, democratic and lawful means and refrain from sharing unverified or provocative content on social media.In contrast, several student bodies and societies expressed solidarity with the protesters. Civil Services Forum of St Stephen\u2019s College, a student forum, said it \u201cunequivocally condemns the reported coercive police action against peaceful protesters, including social activist Sonam Wangchuk<\/a>,\u201d adding that \u201cthe right to peaceful dissent is not merely a democratic ideal, it is a guarantee that must be respected.\u201dThe Quiz Society of Sri Venkateswara College issued a \u201cStatement of Solidarity\u201d, saying it \u201cresolutely condemns the assault against children and students as part of the crackdown on peaceful protesters in central Delhi on July 20 in the form of lathi-charges and tear-gassing.\u201d It added, \u201cWe support the cause of the \u2018Chalo Sansad\u2019 march and the subsequent ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, which seeks accountability, rectification and compensation in relation to the NEET paper leaks case.\u201dShivaji College Students\u2019 Union said, \u201cWe stand shoulder to shoulder with the protesting students in their pursuit of accountability, transparency, and educational justice.\u201d Calling peaceful protest a constitutional right, it added: \u201cThe response of the State must always remain proportionate, lawful, and respectful of fundamental rights.\u201d<\/div>\n