BJP Protests NEET Paper Leak in Kolkata Amid Violence Allegations

BJP Holds Rallies in Kolkata Against NEET Paper Leak Violence

Kolkata, July 27 - The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized two rallies in Kolkata on Monday to protest against the violence that erupted during a demonstration three days earlier regarding the NEET question paper leak. The party accused the Cockroach People's Party of having support from Islamic extremists. The rallies commenced from Golpark in South Kolkata and the Sealdah station in the city center, concluding at Jadavpur and Esplanade, respectively. BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh, leading the rally from Sealdah, claimed that the Cockroach People's Party (CoJP) consists of leaders from the Trinamool Congress, leftist parties, and Congress who oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He stated to reporters, “In addition to BJP workers, people from various sections are participating in these rallies for national interest.” Ghosh raised concerns about the attacks on journalists during the protests against the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) question paper leak, questioning why they were assaulted. He alleged that the protesters received support from 'Jamaatis' (Islamic extremists). Participants in the BJP rallies carried the national flag and held placards condemning the attacks on journalists.

Women dressed in red and yellow sarees played traditional drums and blew conch shells. Attendees accused the CoJP of attempting to divide the nation and united against what they deemed anti-national activities. Clashes occurred between leftist supporters and police during the protests on Friday.

In response, police resorted to baton charges and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. The state government has initiated action against those accused of inciting violence during the NEET protests under a new anti-goonda law. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari warned that the perpetrators would face punishments that their next three generations would remember. So far, 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.

Previously, the Chief Minister mentioned in the assembly that around 70 individuals identified from the rally were not students and had no connection to the protests against the alleged NEET question paper leak.