{
  "id": 111993,
  "title": "Puncture fixers outnumbered students: BJP leader Bidhuri on Jantar Mantar protests",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/puncture-fixers-outnumbered-students-bjp-leader-bidhuri-on-jantar",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T02:43:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/puncture-fixers-outnumbered-students-bjp-leader-bidhuri-on-jantar-mantar-protests-101785781276339.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri's remarks about the Jantar Mantar protest have sparked criticism. He claimed that \"puncture banane wale aur tala banane wale\" (tyre puncture fixers and locksmiths) outnumbered students at the protest against examination paper leaks. Bidhuri stated that between 20,000 to 50,000 young people were misled into joining the demonstration, which he deemed misguided. He alleged that the protest participants were used for emotional manipulation, partying in five-star hotels after the event, and that anarchist elements were present to undermine democracy. The BJP leader's comments drew backlash from opposition MPs Atishi and Danish Ali, who slammed his divisive rhetoric. This isn't the first time Bidhuri has faced controversy; he previously made inflammatory remarks about his opponent Atishi and was condemned for using offensive language towards BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali in the Lok Sabha.",
  "summary": "Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ramesh Bidhuri sparked controversy after he claimed “puncture banane wale aur tala banane wale” (those who fix tyre punctures and locksmiths) outnumbered students at the Jantar Mantar protest last month against examination paper leaks",
  "key_points": [
    "Former BJP leader Bidhuri claims puncture fixers outnumbered students at Jantar Mantar protest.",
    "Bidhuri alleges 20,000 to 50,000 young people misled into misguided demonstration.",
    "Opposition condemns Bidhuri's divisive rhetoric and inflammatory remarks."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Bidhuri's comments reflect a pattern of disparaging remarks that seek to delegitimize protests and opposition voices, sparking criticism from rival politicians who see his rhetoric as divisive and inflammatory.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}