NEET Protest – Sharad Pawar Raises Students’ Concerns During Meeting With PM Modi
NEET Protest –Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Wednesday, accompanied by party MP Supriya Sule, where he is reported to have highlighted the ongoing student agitation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. The meeting took place amid growing political attention on the demands raised by students protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, who have been seeking accountability over the examination controversy.
Protest Issue Discussed With Prime Minister
According to reports, Sharad Pawar used the meeting to draw the Prime Minister’s attention to the concerns of students protesting against the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination process. The discussion came at a time when the issue continues to generate nationwide debate, with opposition leaders urging the Centre to address questions surrounding the examination instead of allowing uncertainty to persist among aspiring medical students.
The meeting followed heightened tensions in the national capital after clashes were reported between protesting students and Delhi Police during demonstrations demanding action over the alleged paper leak. The incident added further momentum to political calls for a transparent response from the government.
Pawar Voices Support for Student Demonstrators
A day before meeting the Prime Minister, Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule visited the protest site at Jantar Mantar to express support for the students. During the visit, leaders of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) reiterated their backing for demands seeking greater accountability in the handling of the examination controversy. They also supported calls made by sections of the opposition for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down.
Speaking to reporters after interacting with protesters, Pawar said democratic institutions must respect the constitutional rights of citizens to express their concerns peacefully. He argued that governments should engage with protesters through dialogue and respond to legitimate demands with sensitivity rather than attempting to suppress peaceful demonstrations.
According to Pawar, the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to raise their voices, and both the government and administration have a responsibility to respond constructively when such concerns are presented in a peaceful manner.
Supriya Sule Rejects NDA Merger Rumours
During her interaction with the media, Supriya Sule also addressed speculation regarding the future political direction of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). She firmly dismissed reports suggesting that the party was considering joining the National Democratic Alliance or merging with the ruling coalition.
Sule described the claims circulating over recent days as unfounded and categorically ruled out the possibility of her party becoming part of the NDA. Her remarks were aimed at putting an end to speculation that had intensified following political developments in Maharashtra.
Political Speculation Continues in Maharashtra
The clarification comes against the backdrop of continuing reports about possible discussions involving the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party. One faction remains under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, while the other is associated with Sunetra Pawar.
Political speculation gained momentum after reports suggested that senior leader Jayant Patil had held meetings with prominent BJP leaders, including general secretary Vinod Tawade, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. These interactions have fuelled discussions about a possible political realignment, although no official confirmation has been made regarding any merger or alliance.
Reports have also indicated that while conversations are believed to be taking place, differences within sections of the rival camp continue to influence the political landscape. Despite the ongoing speculation, the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leadership has publicly maintained that reports of joining the NDA are without basis.