Udupi: The Udupi District Congress has condemned the alleged remarks made by BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna during a BJP protest held on July 28 and announced that it would stage a protest at the Jataka Stand in Udupi on July 31, demanding action against the legislator.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Udupi Press Club on July 30, where Congress leaders criticised the MLA’s alleged statements and expressed solidarity with students protesting over the NEET examination controversy.

Congress criticises police action on NEET protesters

Addressing the media, Udupi District Congress President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor alleged that the controversy surrounding the NEET examination and the subsequent police action against protesting students in New Delhi had triggered widespread public outrage across the country.

He claimed that the student protest was peaceful but alleged that BJP workers assaulted the demonstrators. Referring to the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, Kodavoor said several students had died by suicide following the controversy and described the police action against the protesters as inhuman.

He maintained that students had the democratic right to voice their concerns and called for accountability over the handling of the protests.

Objection to alleged remarks by MLA

Ashok Kumar Kodavoor alleged that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi had extended support to the agitating students, following which the BJP organised a protest against him in Udupi.

During that protest, he claimed, MLA Yashpal Suvarna made derogatory remarks, including an alleged statement referring to the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

Describing the alleged remarks as unacceptable, Kodavoor said the Congress had initiated legal action against the MLA and would hold a protest on July 31 demanding accountability.

The Congress has maintained that public representatives should refrain from making statements capable of creating social or political tension.

Jayaprakash Hegde condemns alleged police action

Former MP Jayaprakash Hegde also addressed the press conference and criticised the alleged use of force against students protesting in New Delhi.

He condemned the reported lathi charge and rubber bullet firing on students, describing the police action as inhuman.

Hegde said opposition parties had extended solidarity to the protesting students and urged authorities to address their concerns through dialogue rather than force.

He also objected to the statement allegedly made by Yashpal Suvarna regarding the demolition of the Babri Masjid and urged the MLA to exercise restraint while making public statements.

According to Hegde, elected representatives have a responsibility to uphold the law and should avoid actions or statements that could undermine public confidence.

Congress questions BJP’s priorities

Congress leader Prasadraj Kanchan questioned whether the BJP MLA was more concerned about demands for the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan than the welfare of students who were allegedly injured during the protests.

He criticised the MLA for allegedly targeting students and educational institutions instead of addressing the issues raised by those protesting over the NEET controversy.

Kanchan said the focus should remain on ensuring transparency in examinations and protecting students’ interests.

Leaders attend press conference

Several Congress leaders were present during the media interaction, including Udupi District Mahila Congress President Jyothi Hebbar, Kishan Hegde Kolkebail, Udupi District KPCC Campaign Committee President Harish Kini, Udupi Block Congress President Ramesh Kanchan, and other party office-bearers.

The Congress reiterated that it would proceed with its planned protest at the Jataka Stand on July 31 and continue to seek action over the alleged remarks made during the BJP demonstration.

There has been no immediate response from BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna to the allegations made by the Congress leaders during the press conference.