A fresh political controversy has emerged in Karnataka after three students reportedly missed the NEET-UG re-examination conducted in Bengaluru on June 22. The incident has triggered a war of words between the BJP and the Congress, with both parties blaming each other over the circumstances that led to the students being unable to appear for the test.
The re-examination was held following the nationwide controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process. While thousands of candidates appeared for the re-test, the absence of a few students quickly became a political talking point.
BJP questions Karnataka government’s role
BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised the Karnataka government, alleging that administrative failures and traffic disruptions linked to political activities adversely affected students attempting to reach examination centres.
The BJP argued that aspirants should not have faced any obstacles on such an important examination day and questioned whether adequate arrangements had been made to ensure smooth access to centres.
Priyank Kharge rejects allegations
Responding to the accusations, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge dismissed the BJP’s claims, stating that the government had taken necessary precautions, including issuing traffic advisories and establishing a helpline for students.
Kharge maintained that the students who missed the examination did so due to individual circumstances rather than any traffic congestion caused by political events. He cited specific instances, including a candidate reportedly carrying an outdated hall ticket and another who missed transport arrangements.
The minister also noted that while hundreds of candidates were absent across examination centres, only a handful of cases had become the focus of political debate.
NEET controversy remains in focus
Kharge further argued that attention should remain on the larger issues surrounding the NEET examination, including the circumstances that led to the need for a re-test in the first place.
The latest exchange reflects the continuing political sensitivity surrounding NEET, which has frequently become a point of contention between opposition parties and governments at both the state and national levels.
As students and parents await greater clarity on the examination process, the Bengaluru incident has once again highlighted how educational issues can quickly become the centre of political confrontation