File photo: Veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi (picture credit: PTI)
NEW DELHI: Veteran BJP leader and former Union minister Murli Manohar Joshi on Thursday extended support to students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak, saying their concerns about the examination system are “genuine” and should be addressed with empathy rather than force.In a rare intervention from a senior BJP figure, Joshi also criticised the police action against protesting students in Delhi earlier this week, describing it as “merciless” and warning that such use of force could alienate large sections of society from the government’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.”It is painful to see young students from different parts of the country assembled for days on the streets of New Delhi. Their anxieties and concerns regarding the examination system are genuine and must be handled with empathy and a desire to find a lasting solution,” Joshi said in a post on X. “It is very painful to see that even young girls were brutally mishandled,” he added.Calling for a more humane approach, Joshi said, “I fervently hope that this is not treated merely as a law-and-order issue to be tackled through the use of force.” He further warned that such action “shall alienate large sections of Indian society from the national goal of Viksit Bharat.”
BJP, opposition continue war of words
Joshi’s remarks came amid an intensifying political confrontation over the alleged NEET paper leak and the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.The BJP accused the Congress of avoiding a discussion on the issue in Parliament despite the government expressing readiness for a debate. BJP president Nitin Nabin said the opposition was “running away” from a discussion because its “double standards” would be exposed.”The NDA government is fully prepared to hold discussions at every level on the future of students and youngsters,” Nabin said, while challenging the opposition to participate in a debate on NEET and other issues concerning students.Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman also asserted that the Centre had already taken action against those accused in the alleged paper leak and remained committed to ensuring justice for students. She accused the Congress of pursuing “disruptive politics” instead of participating in a parliamentary discussion.Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal appealed to the opposition not to politicise the issue, saying the government would take the “strictest possible action” against those found guilty in paper leak cases.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi issued his first public response to the ongoing agitation, announcing that the government would set up fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.”Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Opposition backs students, Parliament remains deadlocked
Meanwhile, opposition parties have continued to press for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and have linked the issue to the alleged assault on student protesters.Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi said INDIA bloc leaders were heading to Gandhi Smriti to express solidarity with students affected by the alleged paper leak and those injured during police action.”India’s students are not alone. The entire Opposition stands with them and their demands,” Gandhi wrote on X.The Opposition has made Pradhan’s resignation and a discussion under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha key demands before agreeing to a debate, while the government has maintained that it is willing to discuss the issue without preconditions.The deadlock has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in both Houses of Parliament.
