Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 27: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday stepped up the Opposition's attack on the Narendra Modi-led government over its handling of the nationwide NEET protests, accusing the Centre of resorting to brutality against students and reneging on its assurances.
In a post on X, Rahul alleged that security forces had fired AK-47 bullets at protesting students in Bihar and that hundreds of students had been arrested, with First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against them.
"News is coming in that AK-47 bullets have been fired at protesting students in Bihar, and hundreds of students have been arrested with FIRs being filed against them," Rahul wrote.
Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his earlier assurances, the Congress leader said the government had failed to honour its promise of protecting students participating in the protests.
"Mr. Modi, where did your promise go that no FIRs would be filed against students and they would be released? Instead, deadly attacks and brutality are being unleashed on them," he said.
Rahul alleged that the government's response to students demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak controversy reflected an authoritarian approach and called on the Prime Minister to apologise.
He said students across the country had been protesting peacefully over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and were seeking transparency, accountability and reforms in the examination system.
The Congress and other Opposition parties have been sharply criticising the Centre over its handling of the NEET paper leak issue, accusing the government of failing to protect the interests of students and suppressing democratic protests.
The controversy has triggered widespread demonstrations across several states, with students demanding a fair examination process and action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak. The protests have also intensified political pressure on the Centre, with Opposition leaders continuing to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament.