West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday extended support to Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)’s protest in the national capital over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination, while sharply criticising the Centre over police action against demonstrators. Speaking at the TMC’s annual Martyrs’ Day rally near the Birla Planetarium, Mamata said she would personally join the agitation if required. Referring to the protest call, she asserted, “There is no need to support dishonesty. If necessary, I myself will go and join the programme. We have supported this from the beginning.”
Her remarks come amid heightened political tensions over the ‘Chalo Sansad’ mobilisation called by opposition groups and student bodies, following allegations of corruption in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process.
Mamata also reiterated her earlier condemnation of the alleged use of force by Delhi Police against protesting students. “What kind of government fears its own students?” she asked, adding that the country belongs to students, farmers, workers, women and common citizens, and not to any single political party. She accused the Centre of attempting to stifle dissent, stating that democracy cannot function by suppressing voices.
The protests in Delhi intensified as thousands of students gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding a fair probe into the alleged exam irregularities, comprehensive reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
As the day progressed, the crowd—estimated to be around 20,000—attempted to march towards Parliament. However, they were stopped by barricades set up by Delhi Police and central forces. Tensions escalated when protesters breached the barricades, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel.
Police resorted to tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, filling the area with smoke, followed by a lathi-charge. Several students and some police personnel reportedly sustained minor injuries in the confrontation.
Maintaining her stance at Tuesday’s rally, Mamata said there was no question of supporting “politics of betrayal,” but reiterated her backing for the ongoing student movement. She emphasised that she would stand with the protesters and join them on the ground if necessary.
The developments have further intensified the political debate around the NEET-UG controversy, with opposition leaders rallying behind the student protests and calling for accountability from the Centre.
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