Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 20: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Central government of avoiding a discussion on shortcomings in the National Education Policy and criticised the alleged use of force against students protesting over examination-related issues near Parliament.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, the Wayanad MP expressed concern over reports that students protesting against alleged irregularities in national-level examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak, were met with police action.

Questioning the government's approach, Priyanka Gandhi said students should not be subjected to force while raising concerns about their future.

"They are our children and the future of the country. Parliament belongs to them as much as it belongs to everyone else. It is not anyone's personal property," she said.

The Congress leader alleged that the Opposition had repeatedly sought a discussion on issues concerning the Education Policy but claimed the government had refused to debate what she described as serious shortcomings in the system.

She also said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had consistently raised concerns over the Education Policy and examination-related issues, urging the government to engage in a meaningful discussion instead of suppressing student voices.

Her remarks came amid protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which held a "Sansad Chalo" march demanding accountability from the government over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination irregularities.

As protesters attempted to move towards Parliament House, police deployed personnel on Parliament Street to maintain law and order and prevent the march from advancing further.

CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka later met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and submitted a memorandum outlining the group's demands. According to the party, the minister assured them that their concerns would be discussed internally with the government leadership.

The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination-related controversies, including issues linked to the Class 12 CBSE Board examinations.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police denied social media claims that CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had been detained during the demonstration.

The clarification came after CJP spokesperson Saurav Das alleged on social media that Dipke had been taken into custody during the protest. Rejecting the claim, Delhi Police stated that the reports were false and clarified that Dipke was present on the protest stage and had not been detained or arrested.