Congress workers, including Youth Congress and NSUI leaders, were detained by the police in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, for attempting to protest and show black flags to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET examination controversy. The police took preventive measures before the Education Minister’s scheduled events in the city.
Among those detained were Bhopal Youth Congress President Amit Khatri, State Congress Vice-President Abhishek Parmar, State NSUI President Ashutosh Chowksey, and other party workers. Some leaders were detained from their homes, while others were apprehended near the state party office. The Congress has been protesting nationwide, alleging NEET exam irregularities and calling for Pradhan’s resignation.
Madhya Pradesh’s Leader of Opposition, Umang Singhar, criticized Pradhan for his comments urging students to trust the examination system. Singhar highlighted the lack of confidence due to repeated exam paper leaks and mentioned a student, Akanksha, whose death has become a political issue in the state. Congress spokesperson Vivek Tripathi also criticized the Centre, citing exam paper leaks that question the credibility of competitive exams and the accountability of those involved.
Despite the protests, Union Minister Pradhan proceeded with his planned activities in Bhopal, meeting Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at his official residence to discuss education, skill development, and youth empowerment. Earlier, Pradhan participated in a cleanliness drive at Shri Nageshwar Mahadev Temple in Suraj Nagar as part of events marking 12 years of the Modi-led Union government. He emphasized public participation and encouraged citizens to contribute to a clean and developed India. Pradhan also visited the Shooting Academy with Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Sarang, emphasizing the government’s efforts to integrate sports and education through the National Education Policy.
