Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday sharply criticized the Congress party, accusing them of engaging in "disruptive politics" concerning the widespread protests over alleged paper leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Sitharaman asserted that the opposition was making concerted efforts to sustain its disruptive agenda, even as the government expressed willingness to discuss the matter in Parliament.
Addressing the ongoing unrest, Sitharaman stated that the Central government remains open to direct engagement with students affected by the issue. She reiterated the government's commitment to initiating dialogue to address their concerns, emphasizing, "We will certainly try to speak to the students and ask them if they have any objections to holding dialogue. We will continue our efforts on this."
The Finance Minister highlighted the government's proactive measures, noting that arrests have been made in connection with the paper leak cases. She also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement that such cases would be fast-tracked through special courts, ensuring swift justice for those found culpable. Sitharaman stressed the importance of discussion on this student-centric issue and affirmed the government's readiness for a parliamentary debate.
Opposition's Shifting Stance Alleged
Sitharaman further alleged that the Congress party had shifted its position after the government agreed to a parliamentary debate. She recounted that the opposition initially demanded a discussion in Parliament as a condition to cease their protests. However, once the government consented, they reportedly introduced new conditions, leading Sitharaman to conclude that Congress was primarily interested in political maneuvering rather than addressing student welfare.
"I am convinced the Congress party doesn't want to work in the interest of the students but only wants to do politics on this issue," she stated, questioning why Parliament was being disrupted when a discussion had been agreed upon.
Protest Leaders Decline Talks Invitation
Meanwhile, Union Minister J.P. Nadda extended an invitation for talks to leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a group prominent in the protests. This invitation was a follow-up to an earlier offer. However, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das confirmed that the protest leaders declined the invitation, insisting that any meeting should occur at a neutral venue, such as Jantar Mantar, rather than at a minister's residence or office.
"We refused to go to anyone's house or office. The people's court is here. Ministers should come among the people. If they want to talk, it should be held at the Jantar Mantar," Das stated, articulating the protesters' demand for direct engagement in a public forum.