Kathmandu— Congress Member of Parliament (MP) K Suresh accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday of attempting to divert attention from ongoing student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, which are centered around allegations of a leak in the NEET-UG exam. The BJP has instead highlighted irregularities in competitive exams conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Junior Statistical Services Commission (JSSC). Suresh argued that the situation in Jharkhand is a state matter, to be addressed by the state government.

BJP's Motive Questioned

K Suresh questioned the BJP's motive for raising the issue of exam irregularities in Jharkhand. He pointed out that similar situations have occurred in other states, such as Rajasthan and Maharashtra, suggesting that the focus on Jharkhand is a deliberate attempt to shift attention from the student protests in Delhi. "The BJP wants to divert attention from the incidents in Delhi, where students were attacked and pellet guns were used," Suresh said.

Parliamentary Deadlock

Suresh also highlighted a deadlock in Parliament over demands for Home Minister Amit Shah to address the House regarding the attack on protesting students. "The opposition has been demanding that the Home Minister come to the House and make a statement regarding the attack on the students," Suresh stated, adding that this is why statements about Jharkhand are being made.

BJP's Stance in Jharkhand

In contrast to Congress' stance, BJP MLA Alok Chaurasia declared that his party stands firmly with the protesting students on issues related to exam irregularities and corruption. "The Bharatiya Janata Party stands firmly and vocally with the students regarding the functioning of Jharkhand government agencies such as JPSC, JSSC, and CJL," Chaurasia told ANI.

Student Protesters' Demands

Protesters in Jharkhand have announced a blockade (gherao) of the Legislative Assembly on August 10 if their demands are not met. Radhe Kumar, one of the protesters, said that they demand the cancellation of JPSC and JSSC CGL examinations conducted by TDPL, followed by an investigation into these irregularities.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.