Political tensions surrounding the NEET paper leak controversy escalated on Thursday as Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by INDIA bloc MPs, intensified protests in support of students. The developments coincided with the suspension of mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar, where demonstrations have continued over alleged examination irregularities.
Key Updates
- Rahul Gandhi leads Opposition protest: Rahul Gandhi, along with MPs from the INDIA bloc, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Smriti before stepping up the Opposition’s campaign over the NEET paper leak issue.
- Strong attack on Centre: Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of “assassinating democracy” and alleged that students protesting for justice had faced police brutality.
- Demand for Education Minister’s removal: Gandhi reiterated the Opposition’s demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to students over the handling of the controversy.
- NSUI workers rally outside Gandhi Smriti: Members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) assembled outside Gandhi Smriti, raising slogans in support of Rahul Gandhi as he arrived with Opposition MPs.
- Mobile internet suspended near protest site: Amid heightened security arrangements, mobile internet services were suspended within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar from 4 pm until midnight, according to an advisory issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Congress alleges MPs prevented from reaching protesters: The Congress claimed that Opposition MPs attempted to meet students demonstrating over the NEET issue but were stopped by authorities before reaching India Gate and later Gandhi Smriti.
- Party vows to continue agitation: In a statement shared on X, the Congress accused the government of suppressing students’ voices and alleged that peaceful protesters were being subjected to police action. The party said it would continue raising the issue both inside and outside Parliament.
