Mumbai, July 23: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded accountability from the central government regarding the NEET paper leak controversy and the ongoing student protests. Party spokesperson Anand Dubey stated that the government should have initiated dialogue with the students much earlier. He welcomed the meeting between Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh with Sonam Wangchuk, emphasizing that timely discussions with protesting students could have prevented the current turmoil.
In an interview, Dubey mentioned, “Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray visited Delhi to meet with the students and assured them that the entire nation stands with them. Student protests are occurring across various regions, and anyone advocating for their rights, whether from the ruling party or the opposition, deserves support.”
He added, “While JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh visited Sonam Wangchuk in the hospital, such initiatives should have been taken 20 days ago at Jantar Mantar to avoid violence and tension. It is the government’s responsibility to listen to the public and find timely solutions. The government is not above the people; it is elected to serve them.”
Dubey accused the government of delaying its response to the student protests. “If the government had engaged in dialogue sooner, there wouldn’t be such widespread discontent and negativity in the country,” he asserted.
Regarding the NEET paper leak, he noted, “There is significant anger among students and parents following the exam’s irregularities. Students work hard throughout the year, but if the examination system lacks transparency, it raises questions about their future.”
He reiterated the demand for accountability from the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Ministry of Education, and the government, calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Speaking on the right to protest, Dubey stated, “Peaceful demonstrations against the NTA are a fundamental right of the students. It is the responsibility of the government and intelligence agencies to identify and prevent any antisocial elements that may incite violence or vandalism during protests.”
Dubey also expressed disagreement with Rahul Gandhi’s protest towards the Prime Minister’s residence. He remarked, “Even though Shiv Sena (UBT) is part of the opposition alliance, we must call out wrong actions. Instead of surrounding the Prime Minister’s residence, the opposition should debate this issue in Parliament. Dialogue is essential for resolving any dispute.”
He condemned the incidents of stone-pelting and assaults on police officers during protests, stating that such actions do not represent students, and genuine students do not support such violence.
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