Imphal: The ongoing nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak echoed in Manipur on Wednesday, with the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress holding separate demonstrations and trading sharp political accusations.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, along with BJP MLAs and senior party leaders, participated in a sit-in protest at Thambal Shanglen in Nityapat Chuthek, accusing the Congress of creating political unrest instead of engaging in constructive debate.
Addressing party workers, Singh said students deserve “solutions, certainty and responsible leadership, not political theatrics.” He alleged that the Congress was attempting to disrupt Parliament rather than participating in a comprehensive discussion on the examination controversy.
The Chief Minister also said democracy should not be undermined through “manufactured chaos, deliberate disruption or misinformation.” Reiterating the BJP’s commitment to constitutional values, he said the party would continue to oppose any attempt to create unrest or weaken democratic institutions.
In a post on Facebook, Singh said the BJP remains committed to protecting the rule of law, safeguarding democratic institutions and working for the welfare, peace and progress of every citizen.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) staged a protest in Imphal against the detention of senior Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and MP Priyanka Gandhi, during demonstrations in New Delhi over the NEET paper leak issue.
The Congress demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that repeated examination paper leaks had jeopardised the future of thousands of students aspiring to pursue medical education.
Following the protest march, an MPCC delegation submitted a four-point memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, calling for immediate action on issues related to the examination controversy and the situation in Manipur.
The memorandum sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on moral grounds over the alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks. It also demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament on the issue and accused the Centre of failing to protect students’ interests.
The Congress further called for the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs registered against students who participated in the Delhi protests and urged the government to take urgent steps to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur under its broader “Save Manipur” appeal.
The protest and submission of the memorandum were led by MPCC president and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, along with senior Congress leaders and party MLAs.