Mamata Banerjee backed the Opposition’s Delhi protest over the alleged NEET paper leak and condemned the police action against students as unacceptable.
Mamata Backs Opposition Protest Over NEET Row
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has supported the Opposition protest in New Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against students. She called the treatment of young demonstrators unacceptable and accused the Union government of using intimidation against dissent.
Her statement followed a sit-in by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders near Akbar Road. The protesters demanded accountability and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Mamata Condemns Delhi Police Action Against Students
In a social media post, Banerjee condemned what she described as police atrocities against young protesters. She said the Trinamool Congress fully supported the Opposition’s sit-in and expressed solidarity with those demanding action over the alleged paper leak.
The remarks added another prominent Opposition voice to a protest that began with student concerns over examination integrity and has grown into a wider dispute over police conduct and the government’s handling of dissent.
Opposition Sit-In Raises Pressure Over NEET Paper Leak
Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and other Opposition leaders joined the Delhi demonstration following police action against protesting students. They argued that officials responsible for protecting the examination process must be held accountable.
The Opposition has demanded Pradhan’s resignation and accused the Centre of failing to adequately address students’ concerns. The agitation has increased pressure on the government to explain how the alleged leak occurred and what safeguards will prevent similar failures.
Mamata Links Delhi Row With Kolkata Disruption Claims
Banerjee also linked the Delhi developments with alleged disruption of the TMC’s Martyrs’ Day programme in Kolkata. She claimed motorcycle-borne groups damaged signage and the stage, cut microphone wires and threatened or injured young party workers.
The claims were political allegations and were not independently established in the material available for this report. Banerjee said the event proceeded despite the disruption, with TMC workers from across West Bengal attending. She described the incidents as part of a broader pattern of BJP intimidation.
Abhishek Banerjee Defends Opposition’s Democratic Role
TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also criticised the treatment of Rahul Gandhi. He said the Opposition is an indispensable constitutional institution in a parliamentary democracy and should not be treated as an adversary of the state.
He argued that respect for constitutional offices cannot be selective and that demands for accountability should not be met with intimidation. The TMC’s intervention reflects growing Opposition coordination as the NEET controversy develops into a larger debate over examination integrity, student rights and democratic protest.
