BJP Criticises Rahul Gandhi's Planned Student Gathering in Kota Ahead of NEET Re-exam

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday criticised Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for a planned student event in Kota, Rajasthan, with the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled just three days later. At a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi questioned the timing and intent of Mr. Gandhi's visit, alleging it could disrupt students' focus and create unnecessary anxiety.

Mr. Trivedi argued that since the decision to re-conduct the examination had already been taken and was noted by the Supreme Court, there was no reason to hold such an event. He said, "When the decision for the re-test has been made and also noted by the Supreme Court, what exactly are you demanding?" He further claimed that the move was an attempt to exploit a sensitive issue for political gain, adding that the Congress leader had many opportunities to do politics after the examination on June 21.

The BJP spokesperson also questioned the choice of Kota, a major hub for competitive exam coaching. He suggested that internal politics within the Rajasthan Congress might be a factor. "Or is the internal politics in the Rajasthan Congress the reason why you are trying to play with the sentiments of students?" he asked. Mr. Trivedi alleged that students were being mobilised for the event by pressuring coaching centres and paying-guest hostel owners in the city.

Addressing past controversies, Mr. Trivedi referred to alleged paper leaks during previous Congress-led state governments. He claimed that 19 paper leaks occurred under Congress rule and no action was taken, while the current BJP government in Rajasthan had acted against around 400 individuals, with no leaks reported in two-and-a-half years. These claims are part of the BJP's effort to contrast its governance with the Congress's record.

The BJP leader further characterised Mr. Gandhi's actions as part of a "toolkit mindset" aimed at spreading "anarchy and confusion" by targeting Indian institutions. He asserted that this pattern was now directed at the education system. Additionally, he criticised the pre-entrance test era, alleging that medical seats in private colleges were "auctioned," depriving students from low-income and middle-income families. He questioned whether Mr. Gandhi was trying to serve the interests of those who benefited from that system.

Regarding the NEET-UG irregularities that led to the re-test, Mr. Trivedi acknowledged the situation as unprecedented, noting that even those involved in setting the question paper were found involved in leaking questions. He stated that the government was taking corrective measures to prevent a recurrence. The NEET-UG re-examination is being conducted following reports of irregularities, with the Supreme Court monitoring the process.

There was no immediate response from Mr. Gandhi or the Congress party to these allegations. The event in Kota is part of Mr. Gandhi's ongoing engagement with students across the country.