VPP Questions MDA's Silence on NEET Protest at Jantar Mantar

Shillong, India Jul 24, 2026 ALN: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has expressed solidarity with protestors gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET UG examination and questioned the government, particularly Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on its stand regarding the issue.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive examination in India, conducted for admission to undergraduate medical courses. Allegations of irregularities in the examination process have surfaced periodically, raising concerns about the integrity of the examination system. The current protests reflect a broader discontent among students and their families regarding perceived injustices and corruption in the educational system. The VPP's support for the protestors is indicative of a growing sentiment among political parties and civil society that demands transparency and accountability in public examinations.

VPP spokesperson Airpeace Well Rani today said the opposition party stands with those protesting across the country for transparency in public examinations and for protecting institutions from corruption and political interference. The VPP's alignment with the protestors highlights a critical intersection of education, governance, and youth activism in India. The party's stance is not merely a political maneuver but a reflection of the urgent need for reform in the educational sector, particularly in how examinations are conducted and managed.

Members of the Democratic Alliance (MDA) government have been conspicuous in their silence on the ongoing protests in New Delhi. This is the case even though the Chief Minister was in a position to experience the protests almost firsthand. It was on Monday, the opening day of the Parliamentary session, that Conrad Sangma was in Delhi to witness his older brother James PK Sangma being sworn in as the new Rajya Sabha MP. The juxtaposition of the Chief Minister attending a political event while protests raged nearby has raised eyebrows and led to questions about the government's priorities and responsiveness to the concerns of the youth.

Neither has commented publicly on the matter of the protests. This silence has not gone unnoticed by the public, especially as the protests have attracted significant media attention and support from various quarters, including students, educators, and political leaders from different parties. Critics argue that the government's inaction could be interpreted as indifference to the plight of students who feel marginalized and unheard in the current educational landscape.

According to Rani, for the VPP, the protest is not confined to the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination but is also about protecting public institutions from corruption, nepotism, and undue political interference, and safeguarding the interest and future of the youths across the country. This broader framing of the issue underscores the VPP's commitment to advocating for systemic change that goes beyond immediate grievances and addresses the root causes of discontent among the youth.

“At the time when the youth are protesting in the national capital – some of them are from – when they are facing police action and atrocities, we expect the Chief Minister and the state government to speak up but, on the contrary, the state government has chosen to maintain silence,” Rani said. The mention of police action is particularly poignant, as it raises concerns about the right to peaceful assembly and the treatment of protestors by law enforcement. The use of force against demonstrators can lead to further alienation and distrust between the government and the youth, who are increasingly vocal about their demands for justice and accountability.

The VPP asked whether this means that the government does not care about the future of the youths or if it is not concerned regarding the alleged irregularities or if it means the state government has become a puppet in the hands of the Centre. This rhetorical questioning serves to amplify the frustrations of citizens who feel that local governance is being overshadowed by national politics, particularly in matters that directly affect the lives of young people.

Rani said that these are the same issues affecting the youth of as those of the rest of the country. He, therefore, stated that the people of the state deserve to know the stand of the state government on this issue. The call for transparency and accountability in governance resonates deeply within the context of , where local issues often intersect with national policies, creating a complex landscape of political engagement.

Rani also condemned the statement of the youth leader of the BJP, a coalition partner of the government, for allegedly saying that the protestors should be shot. “If this statement is true, it partly reflects the attitude of the government,” he stated. Such statements, if left unaddressed, can exacerbate tensions between the government and the youth, undermining the democratic principles of dialogue and peaceful protest. The VPP's condemnation of this rhetoric emphasizes its commitment to advocating for respectful discourse and the protection of civil liberties.

On the alleged mishandling by police against the protestors who were lathicharged, injuring scores, the VPP spokesperson said that the party stands with them and wishes for their speedy recovery. The use of lathi charge, a form of crowd control involving the use of batons by police, has been a contentious issue in India, often leading to public outcry and demands for accountability. The VPP's support for the injured protestors aligns with its broader advocacy for human rights and the right to peaceful assembly, which are essential components of a democratic society.

According to him, the VPP believes that peaceful dissent and constitutional demonstration on genuine issues such as the current one must be met with dialogue, not force. This statement reflects a growing recognition among political leaders that addressing the concerns of the youth requires more than just policy changes; it necessitates a shift in how the government engages with its constituents, particularly in times of unrest.

Rani stated that in the VPP, is raising the same kind of concerns where it wants to insulate all institutions that provide public service from political interference. “The issues that we are raising in the state are also resonating with the current protests in Delhi,” the party spokesperson stated. This alignment of local and national issues highlights the interconnectedness of political struggles across India, as citizens seek to hold their leaders accountable and demand a more equitable and just society. The VPP's position on these matters may also serve to galvanize support from constituents who are increasingly aware of the complexities surrounding education, governance, and youth rights.