Congress – Meenakshi Natarajan Raises Concerns Over Exams and Farm Policies
Congress – Senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan on Monday criticised the Union government over its approach to competitive examinations, agriculture and trade policy, saying these issues could have serious consequences for students and farmers.
Speaking at a press conference at the Madhya Pradesh Congress office, Natarajan also said the party would move the High Court against the rejection of her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election.
Examination system under scrutiny
Natarajan referred to allegations of paper leaks in several competitive examinations, including NEET, and said repeated irregularities had created uncertainty among young candidates preparing for government and professional entrance tests.
She argued that the present centralised examination framework needed to be reconsidered. According to her, state governments should be allowed greater authority to conduct examinations in a manner suited to local requirements and administrative conditions.
The Congress leader said the party would raise student-related concerns through its nationwide Chhatron Ki Goonj campaign. The programme is intended to highlight issues affecting students, including examination management and opportunities for young people.
Statewide student outreach planned
As part of the campaign in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress plans to organise events in different parts of the state. Natarajan said a cycle rally is scheduled to travel from Indore to Bhopal on July 14 and 15.
She added that a national-level event connected to the campaign is planned for August 9. The party is expected to use these programmes to gather feedback from students and bring their concerns before the government.
Concerns over trade and farm imports
Natarajan also questioned the government’s handling of India-US trade discussions and changes in import duty policy. She said any reduction in duties on imported agricultural products should be assessed carefully to ensure that domestic growers are not placed at a disadvantage.
She called for a clearly defined policy on pulses and other farm commodities, saying farmers need certainty about procurement, prices and market support. In particular, she sought an increase in the procurement quota for moong, or green gram, and stronger safeguards for cultivators.
The Congress leader maintained that agricultural policy should focus on protecting farm incomes while ensuring stable markets for produce.
Allegations on land holdings and temple donations
During the press conference, Natarajan also raised questions about land-related assets linked to the Chief Minister’s family. She alleged that there was insufficient clarity regarding the reported increase in land ownership and called for greater transparency on the matter.
She further referred to the ongoing controversy involving alleged theft of donations connected with the Ram Mandir. Natarajan said the issue had affected the religious sentiments of devotees and should be addressed with seriousness.
No immediate response from the state government or the Chief Minister’s office was available on the allegations at the time of the press conference.
High Court petition within legal timeline
On the Rajya Sabha nomination issue, Natarajan said the election process concluded on June 11. She noted that election law allows a petition to be filed within 45 days of the completion of the process.
The Congress, she said, would challenge the rejection of her nomination by filing an election petition in the High Court within the prescribed period. The party has maintained that it will pursue the matter through legal channels.