NEET re-test: Future of students stuck in traffic jam of Congress rally, many candidates missed the exam

After the NEET-UG paper leak issue across the country, when the examination was conducted again on June 21, this examination was no less than a litmus test for the students. But in Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru, this examination of students became more difficult on the roads outside than inside the examination centres. Caught in the massive traffic jam caused by a rally of the ruling Congress party organized in the city, many students could not reach the examination center on time, after which a round of allegations and counter-allegations has started in the politics of the state. Tears were shed on the road, gates were locked and it was mandatory for the students to reach the center by 1:30 pm for the re-examination of NEET. Due to the Congress rally on the roads of Bengaluru, there was traffic jam at many places due to which the vehicles started moving. Frustrated parents were seen racing their two-wheelers on the footpaths, yet at least three students could not reach the gate on time. Due to tight security and strict rules, he was not allowed to appear for the exam due to delay. Seeing their children crying and their future ruined, the anger of the parents reached sky high. ‘Where is Rahul Gandhi who was going to Kota now?’ The parents raised questions on this system and targeted Congress. Krishna Murthy, father of a student, expressed his displeasure and said, "The route which could be covered in 20 minutes, took more than 35 minutes to cover. The rally should have been held in the outskirts instead of in the center of the city." Another parent, taking the name of Rahul Gandhi, asked why the leaders who go as far as Kota on students’ issues are silent on this obstacle created by their own party in Bengaluru today? The politics of Karnataka has heated up as soon as this matter of ‘war-counter-war’ between BJP and Congress has come to light. BJP MP Tejashwi Surya shared a video of crying parents on social media and accused the Congress government of ‘power hunger’. At the same time, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi cornered Congress and said that the party has buried the future of students under politics. On the other hand, Congress rejected the allegations and termed it as ‘political drama’ of BJP. State government minister Priyank Kharge said, "BJP should apologize for the paper leaks that happened in the last 10 years. In Bengaluru, only three students were late, one of whom had an old admit card. We had already issued traffic advisory and helpline."

Is the future of students bigger than politics? Even though political parties are blaming each other, amidst this uproar, the biggest hit has been on the bright students who had sweated for months for this examination. Experts believe that organizing any political rally on a sensitive day like exams is a part of administrative negligence. Will the administration give priority to the future of students by stopping such events in future? This remains a big question.