Mangaluru: Karnataka Health Minister and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister U T Khader on Wednesday criticised the Central government over the alleged NEET question paper leak, the reported police action against protesting students and the handling of the controversy. Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House in Mangaluru, Khader said that “when injustice becomes law, protest becomes a duty” and demanded accountability from the Union government.
Alleges crackdown on student protests
Khader alleged that students protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak and the reported student suicides linked to the controversy were subjected to excessive police action.
He claimed that protesting students were lathi-charged and further alleged that, along with police personnel, certain local elements were also involved in assaulting demonstrators.
Condemning the reported incidents, the minister said students had every democratic right to raise their concerns over issues affecting their future.
Criticises detention of Congress leaders
The minister also condemned the detention of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders who had expressed solidarity with the protesting students.
Khader alleged that the NEET issue was not allowed to be discussed in Parliament and claimed that proceedings were repeatedly adjourned whenever attempts were made to raise the matter.
He said suppressing discussions both inside Parliament and outside amounted to an affront to democratic principles and constitutional values.
Seeks accountability from Centre
Claiming that lakhs of students and their families were under severe mental stress due to the controversy, Khader alleged that nearly 20 students had died by suicide following the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET examination.
He questioned whether demanding reforms and accountability was wrong in a democracy and insisted that students and citizens had the right to protest against perceived injustice.
The minister demanded that the Union Education Minister accept moral responsibility for the alleged lapses and resign from office.
He also sought financial assistance and compensation for families who had allegedly lost children or whose wards had suffered severe mental trauma due to the controversy.
Appeals to Prime Minister
Khader urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond to the concerns of students and parents across the country.
He questioned why the Central government had not intervened earlier and argued that timely action could have prevented the widespread protests witnessed in recent days.
According to the minister, the government should engage constructively with students instead of allowing the situation to escalate.
Raises concerns over NEET administration
Referring to Karnataka’s experience with NEET, Khader said the examination system was introduced in the state during the Congress government led by former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily and claimed it had functioned without major irregularities at that time.
He alleged that several issues emerged after the examination process came under the Centre’s control, including instances where seats intended for Karnataka students were reportedly allotted to candidates from other states.
Khader argued that if the Centre was unable to conduct the examination transparently, the responsibility should be returned to the states.
Demands probe into paper leak and fake police allegation
The minister questioned who the alleged masterminds behind the paper leak were and called for a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Referring to media reports, he said the alleged kingpins behind the leak should be brought to justice and that those bearing moral responsibility should step down.
Khader also demanded an inquiry into allegations regarding the presence of fake police personnel during the protests.
He questioned how such individuals allegedly entered the police force and under whose influence they were operating, saying the matter required a detailed investigation to establish accountability.
Congress to continue agitation
Drawing parallels with historic democratic movements, Khader said public protests had always played a crucial role in bringing about change.
Reiterating that “when injustice becomes law, protest becomes the duty of the people,” he said the Congress would continue its agitation at the district and taluk levels until justice was ensured for the affected students.
Conclusion
U T Khader has intensified the Congress’ attack on the Centre over the NEET controversy, demanding accountability, a thorough investigation into the alleged paper leak and police action, and the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The party has indicated that its protests will continue until its demands are addressed.