New Delhi, 17 June (H.S.):

Political sparring over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s student interaction programme in Kota intensified on Wednesday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching a sharp attack and accusing him of jeopardising the future of students by organising such an event just three days before the NEET re-examination.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, the party’s national spokesperson, Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, said that the NEET re-examination is scheduled to be conducted in just three days. He noted that while students are fully focused on their preparations for the examination, the government is working with utmost sensitivity and vigilance to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the entire process.

Trivedi alleged that while the government is acting responsibly and sensitively, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is resorting to political manoeuvring. He further criticised Gandhi, claiming that he had failed as a student, failed in his professional career, failed in running a company, and had also failed as a political leader.

Questioning the timing of the programme, the BJP spokesperson asked why the Congress was organising such an event during the final 72 hours before the examination, a period when candidates generally seek complete concentration and mental calmness while making their last-stage preparations. He alleged that such an event could distract students, create fear and anxiety, and subject them to unnecessary mental stress.

Trivedi further said that when the decision to conduct a re-examination has already been taken and the judiciary has also taken cognisance of the matter, it is unclear what exactly the Congress is demanding now. He also questioned the choice of Rajasthan as the focal point of the protest.

Drawing a comparison with previous administrations, Trivedi said that during the Congress government's tenure in Rajasthan, 19 examination paper leak incidents had occurred, yet no action was taken in any of those cases. In contrast, he claimed that not a single paper leak incident had taken place during the BJP government's two-and-a-half-year tenure in the state.

The BJP leader also alleged that pressure was being exerted on operators of hostels, paying guest accommodations, and guest houses to mobilise students for Rahul Gandhi’s rally. He questioned the rationale behind such efforts merely 72 hours before a crucial examination.

Accusing the Congress of orchestrating a premeditated conspiracy, Trivedi described the episode as an example of the party’s “toolkit mentality.” He reiterated that since the decision for a re-examination has already been made and the courts have taken note of the matter, there is little clarity regarding the Congress party’s current demands.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar