Opposition – TMC, DMK Back Congress Protest Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak
Opposition –The political confrontation over the alleged NEET paper leak intensified after several opposition parties rallied behind the Congress, which staged a demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s official residence, demanding an independent investigation into the controversy and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protest, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, drew support from leaders of multiple opposition parties who argued that concerns surrounding the alleged examination irregularities deserve a transparent inquiry. The demonstration also renewed the debate over the space available for political protests and dissent in the country.
TMC Expresses Support for Congress Campaign
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sougata Roy publicly endorsed the Congress protest, stating that his party supported the demand for a thorough investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak. He also reiterated the call for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down while the matter is examined.
Roy said the Congress, being the principal opposition party in Parliament, had raised an issue of public importance and deserved the backing of other opposition parties. He also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that it was unwilling to allow opposition protests and democratic demonstrations to take place freely.
Opposition Leaders Raise Concerns Over Democratic Space
Adding to the criticism, TMC MLA Humayun Kabir questioned the handling of the protest, claiming that opposition parties were not being provided adequate space to express their views. According to him, democratic systems should allow political groups to present their opinions peacefully and without unnecessary restrictions.
DMK MP A. Raja also voiced support for the Congress demonstration. Stressing the importance of democratic rights, he said every citizen and political party has the freedom to protest and raise issues they consider significant.
BJP Rejects Opposition Allegations
The BJP strongly criticised the Congress protest, describing it as a politically motivated exercise rather than a genuine campaign on public issues.
Rajasthan BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to attract media attention through symbolic protests. He argued that the opposition lacked substantive issues and was resorting to dramatic demonstrations to remain in the public spotlight.
Rathore further announced that the BJP would organise protests at Congress offices in different parts of the country in response to the opposition’s campaign.
Commenting on remarks made by Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, Rathore also questioned the unity of the INDIA bloc, saying the alliance consisted of parties with differing viewpoints and would continue to face internal disagreements.
Protest Linked to NEET Controversy
The demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s official residence followed the Congress party’s demand for accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak. The party has maintained that the controversy has affected the credibility of one of India’s largest medical entrance examinations and has called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Alongside the inquiry demand, Congress leaders have continued to seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that ministerial accountability is necessary while the allegations are examined.
Senior Opposition Leaders Join Demonstration
The protest witnessed the participation of several prominent opposition leaders. MPs gathered within the Parliament complex wearing black attire as a mark of protest against the government’s handling of the issue.
Among those present were Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and several other opposition parliamentarians. The demonstration reflected a coordinated effort by opposition parties to keep the alleged NEET paper leak at the centre of the national political discussion during the ongoing parliamentary proceedings.