No right to anarchy: Smriti Irani bemoans violence during protests, backs dissent

In an exclusive conversation with India Today's Marya Shakil, senior BJP leader and former Education Minister Smriti Irani addressed the ongoing student protests against exam paper leaks and the government's response. Rejecting assertions of a disconnect between Gen Z and the ruling administration, Irani highlighted the passage of the anti-paper leak bill in Parliament and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct engagement with young citizens on social media platforms like Instagram. She defended law enforcement personnel, emphasizing that while democratic dissent and debate are fundamental rights, violence against police forces is unacceptable, stating, "You do not have the right to anarchy." Irani praised the Prime Minister's inclusive approach to policy formulation, citing the extensive consultations during the creation of the New Education Policy, and refuted claims that government action was merely driven by public outcry.