Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday condemned the police action against students protesting over the alleged NEET examination irregularities in Delhi, accusing the Centre of attempting to suppress peaceful demonstrations through the use of force.
In a statement, Siddaramaiah alleged that several students were injured during the police action and claimed that protests against the Centre’s education policies and alleged examination irregularities were being held not only in Delhi but also in other parts of the country, including Karnataka.
He said there was widespread public anger over the alleged NEET examination scam and irregularities in the education system, and accused the Union government of failing to take action against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Congress leader further alleged that using force to curb peaceful student protests was against democratic principles. He claimed that students and young people had become increasingly frustrated over rising unemployment and alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, and accused the Centre of trying to silence criticism instead of addressing their concerns.
Siddaramaiah urged the Union government to initiate talks with student representatives and protesters to find a solution to their grievances. He also demanded the removal of Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Cabinet, holding him morally responsible for the alleged NEET irregularities.
