Mangaluru: The failure of the central govt to prevent the NEET question paper leak has forced students across the country to take to the streets, said KPCC former general secretary Padmaraj R Poojary.Speaking at a press conference at the Dakshina Kannada District Congress office on Friday, he said that the manner in which Leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi was treated while protesting against the atrocities on students reflects a dictatorial mindset and raises doubts about whether democracy is still alive. He demanded the central government to provide answers, and asserted that if the govt has any sense of shame or dignity, it should take moral responsibility for the incident, and obtain the resignation of the education minister.He said that the world witnessed via social media how protesting students in Delhi were handled. He lashed out at the central government, questioning its allegations that protesting students are receiving foreign funds or have links with terrorists. “If that is the case, what are the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) doing? Are these agencies being used only to suppress the opposition in the country?” he asked.While acknowledging that it is natural to legally counter protests that turn violent, he condemned the actions of those chanting “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.” Video clips on social media clearly show female students being assaulted and their clothes torn. He said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently describes the youth as the country’s greatest asset, the govt’s actions tell a different story.He further highlighted that 22 students have died by suicide in connection with the NEET question paper leak, calling it the direct result of the central government’s failure, and describing it as nothing less than murder.
