Thiruvananthapuram, 22 July (H.S.):The detention of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and several Opposition leaders during a protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination in New Delhi has triggered a sharp political exchange in Kerala, with CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan accusing the Centre of suppressing democratic protests, while BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar defended the police action as necessary to uphold law and order.

The controversy erupted a day after Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and several Opposition Members of Parliament were detained by the Delhi Police after staging a surprise sit-in near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. The Opposition leaders had demanded the Prime Minister's resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and police action against students protesting the issue.

In a strongly worded Facebook post, Pinarayi Vijayan said the nationwide agitation over the alleged NEET irregularities had gained momentum in recent weeks, with Left student organisations extending support from the outset before Opposition parties and MPs joined the campaign.

He alleged that the Union government was attempting to silence democratic dissent through police action. According to him, CPM general secretary M.A. Baby, party leaders and MPs formed a protective cordon around the protesters to prevent what he described as excessive use of force by the police. Pinarayi also alleged that individuals carrying lathis joined police personnel during the crackdown on protesters, claiming such actions would only strengthen public support for the agitation. He expressed solidarity with Rahul Gandhi and condemned his detention.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who participated in the protest march along with Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and several MPs from Kerala, also criticised the Delhi Police action, describing it as an assault on democratic rights.

In a Facebook post, Satheesan alleged that Rahul Gandhi was dragged on the road by police personnel while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was restrained by male police officers. He said the only action of the Opposition leaders was to stand in solidarity with students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Accusing the Centre of trying to intimidate those raising their voice against the government, Satheesan said the Congress would continue to stand with students and democratic movements. He asserted that Rahul Gandhi was articulating the concerns of the country and warned that attempts to suppress dissent would not succeed.

Responding to the criticism, BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar defended the Delhi Police action, stating that democracy guarantees the right to protest but does not permit violence, disorder or attempts to breach security arrangements. He maintained that law enforcement agencies acted in accordance with the law to maintain public order.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman