A political controversy emerged in Bengaluru as severe traffic congestion reportedly hindered some NEET UG re-test candidates from reaching their exam centers on time. The BJP accused the Karnataka government of prioritizing political rallies over students’ needs, while Congress leaders expressed regret over the challenges faced by candidates and their families. Reports indicated that a Congress rally in Bengaluru led to traffic snarls, causing panic among students and parents rushing to the exam centers.
Reacting to the situation, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the Congress for allegedly neglecting students’ interests. He highlighted that several candidates missed the exam due to a rally organized by the Karnataka Congress president. Trivedi also questioned the government’s planning, suggesting that better traffic management could have been implemented knowing the exam schedule in advance.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge defended the state’s handling of the issue, acknowledging Bengaluru’s traffic challenges. He mentioned issuing a traffic advisory in advance and providing assistance through a dedicated helpline. Kharge emphasized that while unfortunate, the government cannot be blamed if a student faces issues like carrying the wrong hall ticket or choosing the wrong route.
Senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad expressed regret over the difficulties faced by students but refuted claims that the Congress rally was solely responsible. He acknowledged media reports of student hardships and absenteeism but stressed that the BJP was politicizing the matter. Hariprasad urged for a focus on broader concerns regarding the NEET examination system and questioned the repeated allegations of question paper leaks and student distress.
The incident occurred during the NEET UG re-test involving approximately 22 lakh candidates nationwide. The exam commenced at 2 P.M., with candidates required to report well in advance. As traffic congestion heightened in Bengaluru, anxious parents and students navigated packed roads, with some resorting to unconventional methods to ensure timely arrival at the exam centers.
