New Delhi: Veteran BJP leader and former Union minister Murli Manohar Joshi on Thursday extended support to the students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak, saying their concerns about the exam system are “genuine” and should be addressed with empathy rather than force.In a rare intervention by a senior BJP leader, Joshi also criticized the police action against protesting students in Delhi earlier this week, calling it “merciless” and warning that such use of force could alienate large sections of society from the government’s vision of a developed India.“It is painful to see young students from different parts of the country gathering on the streets of New Delhi for days. Joshi, in a post on“It is very painful to see that even little girls were brutally abused,” she said.Calling for a more humanitarian approach, Joshi said, “I sincerely hope that this will not be treated as a law-and-order issue to be dealt with only through the use of force.”He further warned that such action would “alienate large sections of Indian society from the national goal of a developed India.”
War of words continues between BJP and opposition
Joshi’s comments came amid growing political confrontation over the alleged NEET paper leak and the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.The BJP accused the Congress of avoiding discussion on the issue in Parliament despite the government expressing readiness for a debate. BJP president Nitin Nabin said the opposition was “running away” from the discussion as its “double standards” would be exposed.Challenging the opposition to participate in the debate on NEET and other issues related to students, Nabeen said, “The NDA government is fully prepared to discuss the future of students and youth at every level.”Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said that the Center has already taken action against the accused of the alleged paper leak and is committed to ensuring justice for the students. He accused the Congress of pursuing “disruptive politics” instead of participating in the parliamentary discussion.Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal appealed to the opposition not to politicize the issue, saying the government will take “strictest action” against those found guilty in the paper leak cases.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi issued his first public reaction on the ongoing agitation, announcing that the government will set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy and stringent punishment for those involved in the paper leak. Have directed the concerned officers and officials to take all necessary steps. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter.
Opposition supported students, deadlock continues in Parliament
Meanwhile, opposition parties continue to press for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and linked the issue to the alleged attack on student protesters.Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said the India Bloc leader was visiting Gandhi Smriti to express solidarity with the students affected by the alleged paper leak and those injured during the police action.Gandhi wrote on Twitter, “India’s students are not alone. The entire opposition stands with them and their demands.”The opposition has cited Pradhan’s resignation and discussion in the Rajya Sabha under Rule 267 before agreeing to the debate as its main demands, while the government has said it is ready to discuss the issue without any pre-condition.The proceedings of both the Houses of Parliament have been repeatedly disrupted due to the deadlock.