NEET Protest – Police Action at Jantar Mantar Sparks Political Row and Student Demonstrations
NEET Protest –Student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak intensified on Saturday after Delhi Police removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the ongoing demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The development triggered fresh demonstrations by student organisations, while several Opposition leaders criticised the Centre, accusing it of failing to address concerns raised over the examination controversy. The protest movement, which has focused on demands for greater accountability in the education system, has now entered a new phase following the police intervention.
Student Groups Gather at Jantar Mantar
Several student organisations, including the All India Students Federation (AISF), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and All India Students’ Association (AISA), participated in a joint protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Demonstrators reiterated their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET examination.
Participants carried placards, raised slogans, and called for reforms in the examination process. Delhi Police maintained a significant presence at the protest venue and requested demonstrators to clear the area, leading to tense moments between authorities and protesters.
Hunger Strike Continues Amid Health Concerns
During the police action, student volunteers formed a human chain around fellow protesters who have been observing an indefinite hunger strike. Organisers claimed that the condition of three fasting student activists had worsened as their protest reached its 21st day.
JNU research scholar Neha Bora alleged that plain-clothed personnel entered the protest site early in the morning before Sonam Wangchuk was taken away by police on the grounds of receiving medical treatment. She also claimed that officers attempted to reach the area where fasting students were staying but were unable to remove them because volunteers remained present in large numbers.
According to the organisers, the hunger strike will continue until their demands, including the resignation of the Education Minister, are addressed.
Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital Before Parliament March
Delhi Police escorted Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after he completed 20 days of fasting. His removal came just two days before a proposed march to Parliament scheduled for July 20, which was expected to be led by Wangchuk and his supporters.
Following the police action, Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would also begin a hunger strike in support of the ongoing movement.
Opposition Parties Criticise Police Action
The police operation drew strong political reactions across party lines. CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby criticised the government, alleging that peaceful protesters were being targeted instead of addressing the allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak. He argued that the focus should remain on ensuring accountability within the examination system rather than suppressing demonstrations.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar also questioned the government’s handling of the situation. Speaking to reporters, he said the administration should have engaged with the concerns of protesting students instead of allowing the matter to escalate. He added that the agitation was likely to continue despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray described the police action as damaging to democratic values, while Aam Aadmi Party leaders Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj also criticised the handling of the protest. Similar reactions were expressed by Trinamool Congress leader Sagarika Ghose and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav.
Jadavpur University Students Extend Support
The protest received support beyond the national capital as students at Jadavpur University in Kolkata organised a symbolic 24-hour hunger strike. A total of 34 students associated with organisations such as SFI, AISA, Democratic Students’ Front (DSF), and NAYA DISHA participated in the fast on the university campus.
Student representatives said the demonstration was intended to express solidarity with those protesting at Jantar Mantar. They urged the Union government to initiate dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk and address concerns regarding the alleged examination irregularities.
Throughout the campus protest, students displayed banners and placards demanding accountability in the examination system, reforms within the National Testing Agency, and greater transparency in conducting competitive examinations. Organisers described the demonstration as peaceful and said faculty members extended support to the symbolic fast