21 July,2026 07:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal alleged that the BJP had a history of questioning the motives of people who criticised the government. File Pic
Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal on Tuesday criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his remarks on the ongoing student protests, accusing the BJP of attempting to divert attention from issues affecting the education system, an official statement said.
Sapkal said it was wrong to suggest that the protests were being driven by political agendas, arguing that students were protesting because of concerns over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks.
The Congress leader said the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to hold peaceful protests in a democracy.
He alleged that the BJP had a history of questioning the motives of people who criticised the government and said students should not be portrayed as acting on behalf of political interests.
Sapkal also referred to the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, alleging that political forces had advanced their own agenda during that period.
Sapkal questioned the police action taken against protesters during demonstrations in Delhi.
He alleged that students, including minors, were subjected to excessive force during the protests and asked whether the Maharashtra Chief Minister supported the police response.
He also criticised Fadnavis' remarks defending the police, claiming the government should have chosen dialogue instead of confrontation.
The Congress accused the BJP-led Central government of failing to address concerns over the alleged NEET paper leak and the conduct of competitive examinations.
Sapkal claimed that millions of students had been affected by alleged irregularities in the examination system and said the government should focus on restoring confidence in the education process.
Sapkal said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had raised the issue of the alleged NEET paper leak early and launched the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign to highlight students' concerns.
He said the Congress would continue supporting students and demanding accountability from the Central government over education-related issues.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said peaceful protests are a democratic right but warned that violence and unlawful demonstrations would invite strict action.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said citizens are free to protest provided the demonstrations are peaceful and held with the required permission.
"In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest. If a protest is held peacefully and with due permission, it will be allowed," he said.
Referring to the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' protest, Fadnavis said he did not wish to question the intentions of all participants, acknowledging that many students may have joined with genuine concerns.
However, he alleged that certain individuals had entered the protest to further their own agenda rather than raise issues related to education.
"Some people have entered the protest only to pursue their own agenda. Some of them have nothing to do with NEET and only want to create unrest," he said.
