NEETProtests – Kharge Demands Amit Shah’s Resignation Over Action Against Students
NEETProtests –Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday sharply criticized the Central government, accusing it of taking retaliatory action against students after they ended demonstrations linked to the NEET paper leak controversy. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the handling of the issue.
The Congress leader made the remarks through a post on X, where he alleged that governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party had failed to honor their commitment of not initiating legal action against students once they called off their protests. According to Kharge, the assurances given during the agitation have now been ignored.
Kharge Alleges Retaliatory Measures Against Students
Referring to the nationwide protests and the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Kharge claimed that security forces had used force against young demonstrators during the agitation. He alleged that students were subjected to baton charges and other coercive measures while raising concerns over the NEET paper leak issue.
Kharge further stated that despite the protests being withdrawn, authorities have now begun registering First Information Reports (FIRs) against several participants and detaining students. He described these actions as an attempt to target those who had peacefully ended their demonstrations after receiving assurances that no punitive measures would follow.
Congress Questions Government’s Commitment
According to Kharge, the students agreed to suspend their agitation only after being told that no legal proceedings would be initiated against them. He alleged that the subsequent filing of cases and reported detentions reflected a breach of that understanding.
The Congress president argued that such actions could discourage democratic participation by young people and raise concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting the right to peaceful protest. He maintained that the administration should have honored the assurances reportedly given to the protesters.
Claims Over Social Media Restrictions
In his statement, Kharge also alleged that social media accounts belonging to several young protesters were being blocked. Additionally, he claimed that some women who participated in the demonstrations had been subjected to doxxing, referring to the online publication of personal information without consent.
While making these allegations, Kharge did not provide specific details or evidence in the public statement. There has been no immediate official response from the Central government addressing these particular claims at the time of reporting.
Demand for Accountability in Parliament
The Congress chief also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that he had avoided addressing Parliament on the controversy. Kharge said the Home Minister should have made a statement explaining the government’s position and accepted responsibility for the developments surrounding the protests.
According to Kharge, avoiding a discussion in Parliament reflected a lack of accountability. He argued that public concerns, particularly those raised by students, deserved a direct response from the government rather than silence on the issue.
Call for Home Minister’s Resignation
Escalating his criticism, Kharge urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ask Amit Shah to resign. He asserted that attempts to protect the government’s image would not change public perception, particularly among young people who participated in or followed the protests.
The remarks add to the continuing political confrontation over the handling of the NEET paper leak issue, which has remained a major point of debate between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. The controversy has led to protests in several parts of the country and continues to generate political reactions over accountability, student rights, and the government’s response.