Chikkamagaluru: BJP MLC C.T. Ravi courted controversy on Friday after making remarks about the participation of certain groups in protests over the alleged NEET examination irregularities. Speaking during a BJP protest in Chikkamagaluru, Ravi questioned the presence of “mullahs” and what he described as “tukde gangs” at demonstrations demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
His comments came during a BJP protest organised to condemn the Congress-led agitation held in connection with the NEET controversy.
Questions raised over participation in protests
Addressing party workers, Ravi questioned the participation of religious leaders and other groups in the protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.
He asked what connection “mullahs” had with the NEET examination and alleged that groups which had earlier opposed government policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) were now participating in the agitation over NEET.
He also referred to what he described as “tukde gangs”, alleging that such groups had joined the protests and questioning their involvement.
Defends Prime Minister Modi
Ravi defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the Prime Minister did not require validation from the Congress, Left parties or the Aam Aadmi Party.
He said the people of the country had expressed their confidence in Modi by electing him to a third consecutive term.
Referring to the NEET examination process, Ravi said many students had already appeared for the examination, completed counselling and secured admissions, while some candidates had also appeared for the re-examination.
According to him, this reflected the confidence students continued to have in the Central government and the examination process.
Criticises Opposition
The BJP leader alleged that opposition parties and groups unrelated to the examination issue were attempting to politicise the NEET controversy.
He questioned the role of organisations participating in the protests and suggested that their involvement would reveal the broader political nature of the agitation.
His remarks have drawn attention as the debate over the alleged NEET examination irregularities continues to generate political reactions across the country.
Conclusion
C.T. Ravi’s remarks during the BJP protest in Chikkamagaluru have added to the political discourse surrounding the NEET controversy. While he defended the Central government and questioned the participation of certain groups in the protests, the comments are likely to attract criticism from opposition parties and other stakeholders.