Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee President Ajay Rai launched a sharp attack on the Central government over the alleged NEET examination paper leak issue, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accusing the government of suppressing student voices.
Speaking to the media, Rai alleged that the government was attempting to divert public attention from other controversies by cracking down on protesting students.
“It is extremely unfortunate. Instead of addressing the real issues, the government is trying to silence the voices of students. They are being lathi-charged and humiliated,” Rai said.
Referring to reports of police action during student protests, the Congress leader alleged that excessive force had been used against demonstrators and called for immediate action against officials responsible. He demanded that police personnel found guilty of using excessive force be dismissed from service.
Rai reiterated his demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying accountability should be fixed over issues concerning the examination system.
Describing students as “the future of the country,” he questioned the government’s approach toward protesters and criticised remarks that, according to him, portrayed agitating students in a negative light.
Commenting on the government’s reported decision to establish fast-track courts in connection with the matter, Rai said the priority should be action against those responsible for the alleged use of force on students before announcing additional measures.
The Congress leader also commented on developments related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, saying that matters concerning the Ram Janmabhoomi should primarily be handled by members of the religious community. He suggested that respected seers, including Shankaracharyas, should play a greater role in the trust’s functioning and expressed the view that political figures should remain outside its administration.
Speaking about the recent visit of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati to Lucknow, Rai said the religious leader had undertaken a statewide campaign advocating for the declaration of the cow as the “Rashtra Mata” (National Mother). He also alleged that permission for the concluding event of the campaign in Lucknow had not been granted.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has not issued an immediate response to Rai’s latest remarks.
