Opposition and BJP Clash Over Police Action During Student Protest in Delhi

Political parties in Delhi clashed on Wednesday over the police response to a protest march by students demanding action on the alleged NEET paper leak. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the government's handling, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress accused the police of excessive force and demanded accountability.

The protest on Monday saw thousands of students march towards Parliament, leading to clashes and detentions. The agitation was part of a larger movement demanding a probe into the alleged leak of the NEET-UG examination, which the government says is under investigation.

Addressing the media, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said the government had acted with "sensitivity" and remained open to dialogue. "The Modi government's priority is to protect students and ensure their future is uncompromised," she said, adding that Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda had invited representatives for talks. On the allegation of police excesses, she noted that 118 police personnel were also injured during the protest. "Policemen are also sons and daughters of this country, and they too deserve sympathy," she said, urging those with evidence of misconduct to cooperate with the investigation.

Delhi Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh shared a video on social media purportedly showing a mob chasing and assaulting a Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel. "A protester kicks an RAF man to the ground, after which the mob surrounds and assaults him. This is not a peaceful protest. It is outright lawlessness. Those who organised and backed these protests must be held accountable for putting the lives of citizens and security personnel at risk," he said.

The AAP rejected the BJP's claims and demanded action against Delhi Police over "use of excessive force against protesters." Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that DCP-rank officers were caught on camera assaulting women during the protest. "Several videos have surfaced showing senior police officers assaulting and misbehaving with women protesters. However, no FIR has been registered and no officer has been suspended," he said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav led a demonstration to the BJP headquarters, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leaks. Congress workers also condemned the detention of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday. "Each Congress worker is standing with Rahul Gandhi in his fight to protect the future of students," Yadav said.

The differing reactions underscore the political divide over the handling of the student protests, which have drawn widespread attention to the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam.