The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to organise a major protest in Lucknow on Wednesday against the Congress over the recent demonstrations outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence and at Jantar Mantar. The protest is part of the BJP's nationwide campaign accusing the Congress of creating disorder and violating democratic norms through its agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against protesters.
According to party leaders, BJP workers from across Lucknow and neighbouring districts are expected to participate in the demonstration. The protest will be led by senior state leaders, who have accused the Congress of attempting to politicise the examination controversy and deliberately staging protests in high-security areas, including the Prime Minister's residence.
The political confrontation escalated after Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a sit-in near the Prime Minister's residence demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police action against student protesters. Delhi Police intervened and detained several opposition leaders, following which the BJP criticised the protest as irresponsible and a breach of security protocols.
BJP leaders have maintained that Parliament remains the appropriate forum to discuss the NEET controversy and accused the Congress of resorting to street protests for political mileage. The party has also announced similar demonstrations in other states to condemn what it describes as the Opposition's attempt to create confrontation instead of participating in parliamentary debate.
Meanwhile, the Congress has defended its protest, saying it was a peaceful demonstration in support of students and against the alleged use of force on protesters. The party continues to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a detailed discussion in Parliament on the alleged examination irregularities. The issue has become one of the central flashpoints of the ongoing Monsoon Session, with both the ruling BJP and the Opposition intensifying their political campaign over the matter.
