Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada District Youth Congress staged a protest near Kadri Circle on Friday evening condemning the alleged NEET question paper leak and accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government of failing to maintain transparency and accountability in national-level examinations.
The demonstration saw participation from political leaders, students, Youth Congress members, and members of the public who expressed concern over alleged recurring irregularities in competitive examinations. Protesters demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged paper leak and called for stronger systems to safeguard examination integrity.
The protest comes amid ongoing concerns surrounding examination-related controversies, with political leaders raising questions about the impact of such incidents on students and the credibility of the education system.
Leaders and students participate in protest
Several leaders and party representatives joined the demonstration near Kadri Circle to express concern over issues affecting students and competitive examinations.
Among those present at the protest were B Ramanath Rai, K Harish Kumar, Appi S and several Youth Congress leaders. Participants raised slogans and voiced their concerns regarding alleged irregularities in examination processes.
Students and members of the public also joined the protest, highlighting growing anxiety among aspirants over fairness and transparency in competitive examinations.
Protesters maintained that repeated controversies surrounding examinations could undermine confidence among students who spend considerable time and effort preparing for entrance tests.
Ramanath Rai criticises government’s handling of issue
Addressing the gathering, B Ramanath Rai criticised the government’s response to the alleged NEET paper leak issue and questioned the effectiveness of measures taken so far.
He said repeated assurances alone would not address the concerns of students and parents when educational futures are involved. According to him, despite promises regarding strict action in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak, visible outcomes and meaningful action have remained limited.
He stated that this had contributed to weakening public trust in the examination system.
Ramanath Rai further said that when allegations of paper leaks emerge repeatedly, students and families naturally begin questioning the credibility of the process.
He stressed that examination-related issues require serious attention rather than temporary responses.
Concerns raised over repeated examination controversies
During his address, Ramanath Rai also referred to broader concerns surrounding examination-related controversies, including NEET and recent issues related to CET.
According to him, recurring concerns indicate deeper shortcomings in governance and policy implementation related to examination systems.
He said such incidents should not be viewed merely through a political lens because they directly affect thousands of students pursuing higher education and career opportunities.
Calling for immediate reforms as well as long-term corrective measures, he stressed the importance of strengthening systems designed to protect examination integrity.
He stated that students dedicate significant effort, time and resources to preparing for competitive examinations, and any doubts regarding fairness could create uncertainty and distress.
Protesters seek stronger safeguards and investigation
Ramanath Rai also alleged that authorities had not taken sufficiently decisive steps against individuals responsible for such incidents and were limiting responses largely to public statements.
He said stronger policy measures and detailed reviews were necessary to prevent similar situations in future.
He further observed that students themselves have increasingly begun voicing concerns regarding the state of the education system and uncertainties surrounding their future prospects.
Protesters at the event demanded a detailed investigation into the alleged question paper leak and urged authorities to introduce stricter mechanisms to prevent future examination irregularities.
The demonstration concluded with calls for transparency, accountability and reforms aimed at restoring confidence among students and safeguarding the credibility of national-level examinations.