Moodbidri: The Moodbidri Block Congress staged a protest in front of the Taluk Administrative Office on Wednesday, condemning the arrest of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other party members during demonstrations over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Party leaders accused the BJP-led Central government of suppressing democratic protests instead of responding to the concerns raised by students across the country.
Congress condemns arrest of party leaders
The protest witnessed the participation of Congress office-bearers, workers and supporters from across the Moodbidri block. Demonstrators raised slogans against the Central government, alleging that the arrests of senior Congress leaders during protests reflected an attempt to silence dissent.
Addressing the gathering, former minister Abhayachandra Jain said that thousands of students who had aspired to build successful careers had been left distressed because of the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. He alleged that instead of taking corrective measures and addressing the grievances of students, the Narendra Modi-led government had chosen to respond with repression.
Jain described the arrest of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi as unacceptable and said Congress workers would continue to oppose what he termed undemocratic actions. He maintained that the party would remain committed to protecting the rights of students and raising their concerns through democratic means.
Leaders raise concerns over NEET controversy
Former MLA Mithun Rai also addressed the gathering and claimed that students from Dakshina Kannada had been affected by the issues surrounding the NEET examination. He alleged that students protesting against the examination process were being treated in an authoritarian manner instead of receiving a fair hearing from the government.
Rai urged the Central government to respond positively to the demands of students and called for accountability over the alleged irregularities. He further demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that responsibility should be fixed for the controversy surrounding the national entrance examination.
According to Rai, Congress would continue to support students and intensify its protests until their concerns were addressed. He criticised the functioning of the Central government and alleged that it was acting in a dictatorial manner.
Protest held outside Taluk Administrative Office
The demonstration remained peaceful as party workers assembled in front of the Taluk Administrative Office. Protesters carried placards and raised slogans demanding justice for students and condemning the arrests of Congress leaders.
Speakers at the protest reiterated that students should not suffer due to alleged irregularities in examinations that determine admissions to medical colleges. They maintained that transparency and accountability in competitive examinations were essential to protect the future of aspiring candidates.
The leaders also stressed that democratic protests should be respected and that political leaders raising public concerns should not be subjected to arrest. They urged the Central government to engage in dialogue with students and resolve the issues through appropriate measures.
Party workers participate in large numbers
The protest was led by Moodbidri Block Congress President Praveen Kumar and General Secretary Purandara Devadiga. A large number of Congress leaders and workers participated in the demonstration, including Suresh Prabhu, Chandrahasa Sanil, Rukkayya Poojary, Jossey Menezes, Ramesh Shetty, Arun Kumar Shetty, Iqbal Karim, T.N. Kembare, Satish Kotyan, Rexon Pinto, Praveen Iruvail, Kumar Poojary, Pradeep Iruvail, Dinesh Prabhu Iruvail, Prashanth Amin, Savita T.N., Supriya D. Shetty, Dileep Kumar Shetty, Vasudev Nayak, Harish Acharya, Purushothama Nayak, Aneesh D’Souza, P.K. Thomas, Koragappa, Valerian Sequeira, Shekhar Bolli, Satish Bhandary, Suresh Kotyan, Varun, Latheef, Ashraf Marodi, Salam Hosangadi, Ganesh Shetty, Shahbaz Beluvai, Himayath and several others.
The participants expressed solidarity with students affected by the alleged NEET examination irregularities and pledged continued support for future protests organised by the Congress party.
Conclusion
The Moodbidri protest formed part of a series of demonstrations organised by Congress units in different parts of Karnataka over the alleged NEET examination irregularities and the arrest of party leaders during related protests. While Congress leaders demanded accountability, action on students’ grievances and the resignation of the Union Education Minister, the demonstration concluded peacefully after party leaders addressed the gathering.