Mysuru: A heated exchange broke out between BJP and Congress leaders during a NEET awareness programme held at Maharani’s Pre-University College in Mysuru on Wednesday.The controversy began after BJP leaders objected to a banner displayed at the govt educational institution that carried photographs of Congress leaders. Former MLA and BJP city president L Nagendra visited the college along with party workers and staged a protest inside the principal’s office.BJP leaders raised slogans demanding removal of the banner, alleging that govt school and college students were being made to participate in political programmes. They also accused the college administration of permitting such activities on campus.The situation turned tense after local Congress MLA K Harishgowda visited the college, leading to a war of words between leaders and workers of both parties.Responding to the allegations, Harishgowda said the programme was organised to create awareness about NEET and motivate students. He denied that it was politically motivated and clarified that the no photographs of Rahul Gandhi were displayed on the banners.Amid the protest, BJP workers removed the banner.College authorities stated that they had granted permission for the event after organisers informed them that it was a non-political NEET awareness programme.In a separate development, members of the Research Scholars Association of the University of Mysore formed a human chain on the Manasagangotri campus, alleging police brutality against protesters in New Delhi. The association also demanded the immediate resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
