Opposition MPs Pay Homage at Gandhi Smriti to Students Lost in NEET Paper Leak Aftermath

A united Opposition, led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, visited Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi on Thursday to pay tribute to students who died by suicide following the leak of the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) question paper. The delegation reiterated that the entire Opposition stands in solidarity with the students' demands for justice and accountability.

Before the visit, Opposition MPs were convened at Rahul Gandhi's residence at 5, Sunehri Marg. During the meeting, the Leader of Opposition proposed that the parliamentarians proceed to Tees January Marg, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. After reaching a consensus, the MPs travelled together on a bus to the memorial.

At Gandhi Smriti, Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs paid homage to the deceased students with folded hands. They later sang the national anthem. The gesture was intended to symbolize non-violent protest and respect for the victims, drawing a parallel between the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and the current struggle for fairness in education.

The NEET paper leak, which came to light in May 2024, has been a major controversy, with allegations of systemic failures in the conduct of the examination. Several students reportedly died by suicide in the aftermath, citing stress and loss of hope over the leak's impact on merit-based admissions. The Opposition has been demanding a thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible, as well as measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The visit to Gandhi Smriti underscores the Opposition's effort to frame the protest in terms of ethical and moral authority, invoking the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The event remained peaceful, with no disruptions reported. The MPs affirmed their commitment to supporting students and ensuring that the examination process is free from irregularities.