Congress Accused of Exploiting Student Issues for Political Gain

Shiv Sena’s senior spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam accused the Congress party of weaponising student concerns to further its electoral ambitions. Referring to the recent protests over the NEET paper‑leak saga, Nirupam said the initial outrage was legitimate, prompting the government to order a fresh exam and address the breach.

He noted that the re‑exam proceeded without incident, with more than 1.1 million candidates passing and admissions already underway, demonstrating administrative efficiency. However, he warned that subsequent agitations, including prolonged sit‑ins and marches to Parliament, have shifted from advocacy to political theatre.

Drawing a comparison with the 2010‑11 anti‑corruption crusade, he cautioned that movements can be co‑opted into party platforms, diluting the core issues. Nirupam urged students to recognise the difference between genuine activism and attempts by political outfits—including the Uddhav Thackeray camp, left parties and the Aam Aadmi Party—to capitalize on their energy.

He concluded by urging the youth to focus on constructive engagement with the government, rather than being drawn into spectacles that serve only to create disruption and media attention.