NEET Paper Leak: Ponnam Prabhakar Supports Jantar Mantar Protest, Seeks Justice

Telangana BC Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has expressed his full support for the peaceful protest being held by students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where they are demanding justice over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.

In a statement posted on X, the minister said he was backing the agitation in his capacity as a former student leader. He maintained that students have every democratic right to raise their voices peacefully against issues affecting their future.

Ponnam Prabhakar strongly criticised the advisory issued by the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration asking students and faculty members not to participate in the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. He argued that restricting participation in a peaceful protest goes against democratic principles and the constitutional right to dissent.

The minister said the alleged NEET paper leak has pushed the future of thousands of students into uncertainty, leaving many aspirants anxious about the fairness of the examination process. Holding the Union government morally accountable for the controversy, he demanded the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He also expressed disappointment over what he described as the Centre's inadequate response despite students continuing their protests for the past 20 days seeking justice. According to him, the concerns of affected students deserve prompt attention and meaningful action.

Ponnam Prabhakar further urged the Central Government to announce ex gratia assistance for the families of students who allegedly lost their lives after being distressed by the controversy. He also called for the immediate withdrawal of cases registered against students participating in the protests.

Reiterating his commitment to protecting students' rights, the minister said he stands in support of the movement being led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on the issue. He appealed to the Centre to act responsibly and ensure that students affected by the NEET controversy receive timely justice.