Congress and BJP Hold Rival Protests in Bengaluru Over NEET Row, Police Step In
Political tensions escalated in Bengaluru as Congress and BJP staged competing demonstrations over the NEET controversy, leading to clashes with police and multiple preventive detentions.
Bengaluru witnessed high political drama as workers from the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP held rival protests over the ongoing NEET examination controversy and the handling of student demonstrations across the country.
The Congress protest began with a march towards the BJP’s state headquarters in Malleswaram. Led by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary S. Manohar, party workers demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and criticised the Union government over the alleged NEET paper leak and its response to student protests.
During the demonstration, protesters burnt effigies and tried to move past police barricades. Police intervened and took several Congress leaders and workers into preventive custody to prevent the situation from escalating. The protest was organised as a show of support for the nationwide student movement and opposition leaders who were recently detained in New Delhi.
The BJP responded with a counter protest led by Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka and Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy. Party workers marched towards the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office on Queen’s Road, accusing the Congress of using student concerns for political gain.
Police stopped the BJP march before it reached the Congress office, resulting in tense moments between protesters and security personnel. During the commotion near the KPCC office, eggs were allegedly thrown at BJP MLA B. P. Harish.
Following the incident, R. Ashoka submitted a complaint to the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner. He alleged that Congress workers had attacked BJP members using clubs and other objects and demanded strict legal action against those responsible.
Heavy police deployment was seen in both Malleswaram and Queen’s Road to prevent further violence. Authorities made several preventive detentions from both political groups to bring the situation under control.
The political confrontation in Bengaluru reflects growing tensions across Karnataka over the NEET issue. Similar protests and political stand offs have also been reported from other districts, including Mysuru, as the controversy continues to dominate public and political discourse.