EducationReform – Congress Targets Centre Over NEET Protest Response and Parliament Deadlock
EducationReform – The political row over the NEET paper leak controversy continued to gather momentum, with the Congress accusing the Central government of suppressing protests and avoiding a detailed discussion in Parliament. The criticism came as social activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Union government on examination reforms and the NEET issue.
Congress Questions Police Action During Protest
Congress leader Mumtaz Patel alleged that the government mishandled demonstrations linked to the NEET paper leak and failed to engage with students demanding accountability. Speaking to ANI, she said the situation could have been handled differently if officials had spoken with the protesting youth before tensions escalated.
Patel also criticised the treatment of senior opposition leaders during the protests. According to her, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior party leader Priyanka Gandhi were not treated appropriately by the Delhi Police when they visited the Prime Minister’s residence in connection with the issue.
Opposition Alleges Parliament Discussion Was Prevented
Patel further argued that the government’s recent willingness to hold discussions came only after several days of confrontation. She maintained that opposition parties had repeatedly demanded a debate on the NEET controversy since the Monsoon Session of Parliament began on July 20.
According to the Congress leader, despite repeated requests from opposition members, meaningful discussions on the examination issue had not been allowed during the initial days of the session. She said the opposition remained committed to raising concerns related to students and the integrity of the country’s examination system.
Protest March Witnessed Police Intervention
The controversy follows a large protest organised on July 20 by youth groups along with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament to demand action over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.
During the protest, police intervened to prevent marchers from reaching the Parliament complex. Authorities reportedly used tear gas and carried out a lathi-charge after the crowd attempted to advance despite restrictions, leading to criticism from opposition leaders and several activists.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike
In a significant development, social activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 26-day hunger strike after receiving a written assurance from the Union government regarding the NEET examination issue and broader reforms in India’s competitive examination framework.
Wangchuk ended the fast at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh. The development marked the end of nearly four weeks of protest aimed at pressing for greater transparency and accountability in national-level examinations.
Written Assurance Follows Parliamentary Support
In a video message shared on X, Wangchuk said that both Union ministers personally met him and conveyed the government’s commitment through a written document. Representatives of the Apex Body were also present during the meeting.
He explained that around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had earlier visited him during the protest. According to Wangchuk, they urged him to withdraw the hunger strike while assuring him that concerns relating to the NEET paper leak and examination reforms would be discussed in Parliament.
The activist also disclosed that although verbal assurances had been offered earlier, he insisted on receiving a formal written commitment before ending his fast. He said this requirement delayed the conclusion of the protest by nearly two days, but he believed a documented assurance was essential to ensure greater accountability on the promises made