Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee joined a protest in Kolkata on Saturday in support of students agitating against the alleged NEET paper leak, hours after the Calcutta High Court restrained a proposed rally in the city. The demonstration, held in central Kolkata, came amid heightened political tensions over the nationwide student movement demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities and action against those responsible.
The High Court’s order prevented the planned march, prompting Banerjee and TMC leaders to alter their programme and participate in a protest at an alternative location. The development follows days of protests across the country over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against demonstrators.
High Court Bars Planned Rally
Earlier in the day, the Calcutta High Court directed that the proposed protest march should not proceed in its planned form, citing concerns related to law and order and public convenience.
Following the court’s directive, the organisers modified their plans, after which Mamata Banerjee joined party leaders and supporters in a demonstration expressing solidarity with the protesting students.
Mamata Expresses Solidarity with Students
Addressing supporters, Banerjee reiterated her support for students demanding transparency and accountability in competitive examinations.
She criticised the handling of the alleged paper leak and said that students deserve a fair and transparent examination system. The TMC chief also renewed her demand for accountability from the Centre over the controversy surrounding the national medical entrance examination.
Protest Held Amid Tight Security
A large police presence was deployed across central Kolkata to maintain law and order during the demonstration.
Security personnel monitored the gathering closely to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and to prevent any disruption to traffic and public movement. The deployment followed clashes between protesters and police during demonstrations in Kolkata a day earlier.
Political Row Intensifies
The protest added a political dimension to the ongoing nationwide agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak.
The TMC has consistently criticised the Centre over the issue and extended support to student-led protests. Banerjee had earlier announced that she was prepared to join demonstrations in Delhi if required, underscoring her party’s support for the movement.
Student Movement Gains Momentum
The agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak has spread across several states, with student organisations and political parties demanding greater transparency in the examination process.
In Kolkata, Left-backed student groups had organised large demonstrations on Friday, which turned violent after clashes with police. The incidents resulted in baton charges and the use of tear gas to disperse protesters, further intensifying the political debate over the issue.
Focus on Accountability
Opposition parties continue to demand a thorough investigation into the alleged paper leak and reforms to restore confidence in competitive examinations.
The protests have also included calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and greater accountability from the National Testing Agency, which conducts the NEET examination.
Protest Keeps Spotlight on NEET Row
Mamata Banerjee’s participation in the Kolkata protest has further intensified the political focus on the alleged NEET paper leak. Despite the Calcutta High Court’s decision restricting the planned rally, the TMC chief’s appearance at the demonstration underscored her party’s support for the student movement.
As protests continue across the country, the controversy surrounding the examination process and demands for greater transparency remain at the centre of the national political debate.