Kharge Questions Police Action on NEET Protesters, Seeks Parliament Debate

New Delhi: Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday criticised the alleged police action against students protesting over the NEET-UG paper leak issue at Jantar Mantar. He questioned why students demanding justice were met with baton charges and tear gas instead of being heard.

Raising the matter during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Kharge alleged that students protesting over examination irregularities were subjected to force while peacefully voicing their concerns. He said the issue affects the future of lakhs of students and deserves serious attention.

In a post on X, Kharge described the incident as unfortunate and expressed concern over the reported use of lathis and tear gas against protesters. He urged the government to ensure an independent, transparent and merit-based education system.

The Congress leader also demanded that the Centre immediately allow a detailed discussion on the NEET paper leak issue in Parliament. According to him, the concerns of students should be addressed through dialogue rather than force.

The protests at Jantar Mantar were organised ahead of a planned march to Parliament seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. Delhi Police had denied permission for the march and imposed prohibitory orders in the New Delhi area before dispersing the gathering.

The issue led to repeated disruptions in the Rajya Sabha, resulting in adjournments during the day’s proceedings.