Kolkata, July 23 (IANS) In the backdrop of protests over the NEET question leak, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a counter‑campaign across the country. In West Bengal, the ruling camp on Thursday warned that no attempt to create unrest in the state will be tolerated.

State Commerce and Industries Minister Tapas Roy said the police and administration are ready to handle such a situation. He alleged that an attempt is being made to create anarchy in the country for political purposes.

A movement in Delhi over the NEET question leak, allegations of corruption in the education sector and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have gained traction, with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on the 26th day of his hunger strike.

Although representatives of the protest held a round of meetings with the Government, no solution emerged. Preparations have started for a protest programme in Kolkata over the NEET issue.

The CPI(M)’s student organisation SFI will take out a procession in the city on Friday and has also called for a student strike across the country. Organisers have reportedly sent an email to Kolkata Police seeking permission for a protest programme in the city on Friday.

Apart from Tapas Roy, BJP’s chief spokesperson Debjit Sarkar, media cell convener Bimal Shankar Nanda and Yuva Morcha state general secretary Ashish Biswas were present at a press conference. They accepted the Government’s ‘deviation’ regarding the question leaks but said strict steps have been taken. The Centre, they added, is doing whatever is necessary to strengthen the foundation of the country’s education system.

Tapas Roy said, “I have never seen such strict steps taken by the Indian Government after the question leak scandal. Despite this, attempts are being made to create unrest. The same situation that was created in some other places in South Asia is being tried here too. Money is flowing in from abroad. If any such incident is attempted in West Bengal, we will not allow it to happen. The police and administration are alert.”

Not only NEET, but all exam question leaks need to be discussed, claimed the BJP. Tapas Roy also gave an account of how many cases of question leaks have occurred under the Congress and BJP regimes.

He said, “During the UPA Government, the education budget was Rs 8,200 crore. The current Government is spending Rs 1 lakh 39 thousand crore on the education sector. I will tell the people of the state, two months ago you saved West Bengal from destruction. This time too, foil the conspiracy. We will not give them a chance to create unrest again.”

Regarding allegations of anti‑national conspiracy from the Delhi protests, Debjit Sarkar said the NEET exam has nothing to do with that movement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke about the question paper leak issue on Thursday. He said a fast‑track court will be formed to ensure punishment of the accused. Regarding the protest programme in Kolkata on Friday, Tapas Roy said, “Anyone can hold a peaceful protest if they want. But if there is an attempt to create unrest from there, the Government will do whatever it takes.”

–IANS

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