As protests over the alleged NEET paper leak continue in Delhi and disrupt the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, government sources have claimed that the movement has evolved beyond a student-led agitation and now has significant political backing.
According to the sources, opposition parties, particularly the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP), are playing an active organisational role by providing logistical, parliamentary and on-ground support to the protests. The government alleges that protest sites have increasingly become platforms for broader political campaigns against the Centre.
Government Alleges AAP’s Active Role
Government sources claim that AAP has used its organisational network in Delhi, including local leaders, MLAs and its student wing, Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS), to participate in demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and other locations. The sources allege that the party has channelled public anger over examination irregularities, paper leaks and student concerns into political pressure on the Union government.
SP Extending Support From Uttar Pradesh
According to government sources, the Samajwadi Party has also extended support to the protests from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. The party’s MPs are said to have participated in marches from Parliament to protest venues and repeatedly raised the issue during the Monsoon Session, contributing to disruptions in both Houses.
The sources further claim that the objective is to expand the movement beyond Delhi and build a wider youth mobilisation across North India.
Allegations of Organisational Support
Government sources allege that political parties have provided infrastructure at protest sites, including sound systems, banners, legal assistance and media coordination. Student wings such as AAP’s CYSS and the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha are also said to have assisted with crowd management and event coordination.
According to the sources, these developments have transformed student demonstrations into larger political platforms, drawing comparisons with protests held over the NEET and UGC-NET controversies in 2024.
Govt Draws Parallels With Previous Protests
The government has also compared the current agitation with the 2024 protests following the deaths of UPSC aspirants in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar, where a student-led movement later became the subject of political confrontation.
Officials argue that a similar pattern is now emerging, with examination-related demands expanding into a broader campaign against the Centre.
Concerns Over Organised Mobilisation
Government sources further claim that many individuals managing protest stages and coordinating demonstrations are affiliated with established political parties rather than independent student organisations.
The sources also said agencies are monitoring organised mobilisation from neighbouring states and remain alert to the possibility of external funding influencing domestic protests. According to them, peaceful demonstrations can sometimes be exploited by organised networks to trigger wider unrest.
Opposition Rejects Allegations
Opposition parties have rejected similar allegations in the past, maintaining that they are supporting students exercising their democratic right to protest. Student organisations have also insisted that the movement remains focused on accountability over examination irregularities and is not being directed by political parties.