Ranchi: The Congress party and its student wing, the National Student's Union of India (NSUI), staged agitations at various locations in Ranchi on Tuesday to protest against the recent fuel price hike and the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper.
Gherao at BJP State Office
A large number of NSUI members surrounded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state office in Ranchi, expressing their anger over the NEET paper leak. They demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. NSUI leaders warned that if he does not resign within ten days, they would gherao his residence in New Delhi.
Demand for NTA Dissolution
The protesters also called for the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the implementation of a new, transparent examination system.
March and Dharna
During the agitation, NSUI members gathered at Harmu Ground in the afternoon and marched to the BJP office, where they held a sit-in for about two hours.
Leaders Address the Crowd
Addressing the gathering, NSUI state president Vinay Oraon stated, "The NEET paper leak was not just an examination irregularity but an assault on the dreams, prospects, and mental health of lakhs of hardworking students. When the examination system is not impartial, the faith of students is shattered." NSUI town president Satish Kesri affirmed that the organization would continue to support NEET aspirants in the future. NSUI Ranchi University president Kaif Ali said that the struggle would be taken from the streets to the Parliament.
Agitation Withdrawn
The protest was called off around 6:30 pm as Chief Minister Hemant Soren's cavalcade was scheduled to pass on the road. A strong police contingent was present at the site to maintain law and order.
Signature Campaign at Petrol Pumps
Meanwhile, Congress workers conducted a signature campaign at petrol pumps across the state to express resentment against the continuous fuel price hikes in recent days. In Ranchi, Congress state president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh started from the party's state office on a horse-drawn cart to reach the Lalpur petrol pump and launch the campaign. Similar campaigns were held at petrol pumps on Ratu Road, Kutchery Chowk, Harmu Road, Doranda, and Birsa Chowk.
About the Author: Sanjay Sahay, with over a decade of experience in journalism, primarily covers crime, security, central agencies, and civil courts in Ranchi. He also reports on education and higher education policies in the state.
