Protests over the NEET-UG controversy spilled onto the streets of Kolkata on Friday, with tensions escalating into clashes between demonstrators and police at Dharmatala. Members of the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP), along with Left-wing student organisations, had joined a large march that culminated in chaos near Dorina Crossing. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reacted strongly, stating that “anti-national forces” would not be allowed to operate in the state and that strict action would be taken against any activities deemed unlawful.
The procession, which began from the Sealdah station area, drew participation from students and activists demanding transparency in the NEET examination and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The rally was also held in support of social activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike.
The situation turned volatile as the march reached Dharmatala, where a sit-in demonstration was being staged. Allegations surfaced that some protesters hurled shoes and water bottles at police personnel, with reports also suggesting that water was splashed on officers deployed at the site.
The protest had been called primarily by Left-affiliated student groups, who organised a march from Sealdah to Dharmatala. While other organisations, including the CJP, were denied permission for separate rallies, many participants merged into the larger procession.
As the rally progressed, it saw growing participation from students across the city. Demonstrators carried placards criticising the government, raised slogans, and in some cases donned symbolic attire such as masks to draw attention to their cause.
Protesters asserted that the agitation unfolding at Jantar Mantar in Delhi was not confined to the national capital but represented a larger struggle concerning the future of students nationwide.
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