Opposition Parties Condemn Police Action During NEET Protests, Drawing Historical Comparisons

New Delhi, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: The political landscape in India has once again been shaken as opposition parties, notably the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, launched a vehement critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. This criticism was sparked by the recent protests over the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) paper leak, an issue that has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of the examination system in the country.

The protests were predominantly led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a coalition of student organizations and youth activists who marched to Parliament demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The NEET paper leak, which occurred on May 3, has been described as a severe blow to the credibility of the examination process, which is crucial for aspiring medical students across India. The protests have highlighted not only the immediate issue of the paper leak but also broader concerns regarding the government's ability to maintain a fair and transparent examination system.

During the protests, demonstrators faced a strong police response, which included barricades, lathi charges, and the use of tear gas. The harsh treatment of peaceful protesters drew sharp rebukes from opposition leaders. SP MP Akhilesh Yadav, speaking to reporters outside Parliament, expressed his outrage at the police's actions, stating, "Since Independence, no one could have imagined such behavior from an elected government. People were injured, requiring stitches, and some even suffered fractures due to the police's actions." His comments reflect a growing frustration among opposition parties regarding the government's handling of dissent and public protests.

Yadav went further by sharing a video on social media that depicted the injuries sustained by protesters, including reports of individuals arriving at hospitals with cracked skulls. He emphasized the government's responsibility to ensure that those injured receive proper medical care, stating, "The government must ensure they receive treatment; this is its responsibility." His comparison of the police's actions to those of historical figures like Adolf Hitler underscores the severity with which he views the government's response to legitimate grievances.

In a similar vein, Congress MP Jebi Mather drew a historical parallel between the current situation and the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, where British troops opened fire on Indian civilians, killing hundreds. Mather lamented that while the British have left India, their oppressive methods seem to have persisted, as evidenced by the police's response to the recent protests. She stated, "In 1919, the British suppressed Indian voices with bullets. Although the British have left, their methods persist. Our students peacefully protested, but in 2026, they faced barricades, lathi charges, and tear gas. This is unacceptable; students should not fear raising their voices." This comparison not only highlights the perceived brutality of the police but also evokes a sense of historical injustice that resonates with many citizens in India today.

The opposition's critique extends beyond the police's actions to question the government's overall accountability regarding the NEET examination process. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram emphasized the need for a robust and honest examination system, stating, "It is the nation's duty to maintain a robust, efficient, and honest examination system. However, the consistent paper leaks indicate a lack of honesty. No one is being held accountable, including the Minister, Secretary, and the NTA (National Testing Agency)." His remarks reflect a growing concern about the integrity of educational assessments in India, which are critical for ensuring that the best candidates are selected for medical education and, ultimately, for serving the healthcare needs of the population.

Moreover, Congress MP Deepender Hooda expressed that the patience of the youth has "broken," highlighting a growing discontent among young people regarding the government's failure to engage with their concerns. He stated, "The government should have engaged with the youth, but it failed. The brutality displayed by the Delhi Police cannot be condemned enough. The Police Commissioner must clarify under whose orders such excessive force was used." Hooda's comments reflect a broader sentiment among young Indians who feel marginalized and unheard in the political discourse.

Other opposition leaders, such as Congress MP K.C. Venugopal, also held the BJP-led Centre accountable for the police's actions, questioning the rationale behind the use of force against peaceful protesters. Venugopal asked, "How many students are currently hospitalized? What crime have they committed? They only sought to protest peacefully; is that not allowed?" His inquiry underscores the fundamental democratic right to protest and the expectation that the government should facilitate rather than suppress such expressions of dissent.

Congress MP Praniti Shinde labeled the police's actions as "unacceptable," emphasizing the need for accountability from the government. She stated, "These individuals are from our own country; they are not outsiders. If you treat your own citizens this way, do you truly deserve to remain in power?" Shinde’s remarks call into question the legitimacy of a government that resorts to violence against its own citizens, particularly students who are the future of the nation.

In the midst of these developments, Congress MP Pawan Khera alleged that ruling coalition MPs obstructed the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, from addressing the House regarding the violence that occurred during the protests. Khera stated, "Kharge was addressing yesterday’s violence. We demand that the Home Minister (Amit Shah) address both Houses regarding the brutal actions of the Delhi Police against the youth," indicating a desire for transparency and accountability from the government regarding its handling of the protests and the underlying issues of the NEET paper leak.

The implications of these protests and the subsequent police response are profound. They not only reflect the current political climate in India but also highlight the ongoing struggles for accountability and transparency within the government. As the opposition continues to raise these issues in Parliament, the broader public discourse around education, governance, and citizens' rights is likely to intensify. The NEET paper leak controversy may serve as a catalyst for a larger movement advocating for reforms in the education sector, particularly in ensuring that examination processes are fair and transparent. Furthermore, the treatment of protesters raises critical questions about the right to dissent in a democratic society and the responsibilities of law enforcement in upholding that right. As this situation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor how the government responds to these challenges and whether it will take meaningful steps to address the grievances raised by students and opposition parties alike.