BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj on Wednesday defended the Centre’s handling of the protests over the NEET issue, saying the government responded with “sensitivity” to students’ concerns and acted swiftly after allegations of irregularities in the examination emerged.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Swaraj said the Centre had engaged with the protesters and invited their representatives for talks with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.
“The protesters sought discussions with the government, and they were immediately invited to meet Union Minister J.P. Nadda. They assured the government they would not protest. The delegation spent nearly two-and-a-half hours preparing its written demands. However, once the protests began, several false narratives and fake news were spread,” she alleged.
Referring to the agitation led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other organisations, Swaraj said the protest was initially projected as a student movement and claimed that the Delhi Police exercised restraint throughout the demonstration.
“The government’s approach towards the movement was sensitive. The Delhi Police granted permission to Abhijeet Dipke at the airport, and the permission was valid until 5 p.m. Even after the protesters continued their sit-in at Jantar Mantar for 21 days, no action was taken to remove them. As long as the protest remained peaceful, it was allowed to continue,” she said.
Swaraj further alleged that protesters attempted to march towards Parliament on July 20 without obtaining permission.
“They gave a ‘Sansad Chalo’ call on July 20. Democratic institutions have their own importance. Even when Parliament was surrounded without permission, the Delhi Police showed restraint,” she said.
Highlighting the Centre’s response to the alleged NEET paper leak, the BJP MP said the government acted promptly by registering an FIR and transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi considers the youth of this country as the builders of the nation. Protecting the future of students is our top priority. The examination was held on May 3, and when reports emerged on May 11 that it had been compromised, the Ministry of Education lodged an FIR the same day and immediately handed over the investigation to the CBI in a transparent manner,” she said.
According to Swaraj, the CBI subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), arrested 13 accused, and sought an expedited trial in the case.
“The CBI formed an SIT and arrested 13 accused, who remain in judicial custody. The Modi government has also urged the court to conduct the trial on a day-to-day basis and ensure the harshest punishment for the accused at the earliest so that students receive justice,” she added.
(With ANI inputs)
