Chandigarh: The political battle over the alleged NEET paper leak intensified in Punjab on Saturday as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rolled out a statewide protest campaign, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government of failing to safeguard the future of students. The demonstrations, organised under the slogan “Thali Bajao, Tanashahi Bhagao”, were held across districts to express solidarity with students and condemn what the party described as anti-youth policies.
Party workers, local leaders and supporters gathered at various locations, raising slogans and symbolically beating steel plates to register their protest. AAP leaders said the campaign was intended to amplify the concerns of students affected by the examination controversy and demand greater accountability from the Centre.
According to the party, the agitation is aimed at highlighting issues related to examination transparency and the need for stronger measures to prevent irregularities in competitive recruitment and entrance tests. AAP maintained that the credibility of public examinations must be protected and called for reforms that restore students’ confidence in the system.
The protest comes at a time when demonstrations over the NEET paper leak have gained momentum in different parts of the country, with student groups and organisations demanding action against those responsible. Punjab’s ruling party has attempted to align itself with these concerns by projecting its campaign as a movement in support of the youth.
Political observers believe the protest also carries electoral significance. With the next Assembly elections drawing closer, AAP is expected to sharpen its outreach among young voters while seeking to counter the BJP’s efforts to strengthen its presence in Punjab after parting ways with its former ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal.
AAP leaders alleged that the Centre has not done enough to address the concerns of students and accused the BJP of ignoring repeated demands for accountability in the examination system. They asserted that the issue goes beyond politics and concerns the aspirations of lakhs of young people preparing for competitive examinations.
The BJP, however, has consistently maintained that strict action is being taken against those involved in examination-related irregularities and has rejected allegations that it is indifferent to students’ concerns.
With protests continuing in several states, the NEET controversy has evolved into a major political flashpoint, with both the ruling party at the Centre and the Opposition using the issue to strengthen their respective narratives ahead of future electoral contests.
