The daughter of Assam Revenue Minister Keshab Mahanta participated in a students' protest in Guwahati demanding action over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, drawing widespread attention due to her father's position in the BJP-led coalition government in the state. Dibisa Mahanta joined demonstrators at Chachal on Thursday, where students called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sought greater accountability over the alleged examination irregularities. Visuals of her participation have since gone viral on social media.
During the demonstration, Dibisa Mahanta was seen holding placards and raising slogans alongside other students. Protesters voiced concerns over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and demanded measures to ensure transparency and fairness in the country's public examination system. Videos circulating online showed her chanting slogans against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi while participating in the peaceful protest.
Her presence attracted significant attention because her father, Keshab Mahanta, is one of the senior-most leaders of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a key ally in the BJP-led coalition government in Assam. Mahanta has served as a minister in the state government since 2016 and is regarded as one of the party's most prominent leaders after AGP state president Atul Bora. The demonstration therefore highlighted differing political views within the family against the backdrop of an issue that has triggered protests in several parts of the country.
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Responding to questions during a press conference, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government respected the students' democratic right to protest. He acknowledged the concerns raised by the demonstrators while noting that the Union government was already examining the issue. The Chief Minister also urged citizens to focus on the severe flood situation affecting Assam, describing it as a major challenge currently facing the state.
The protest remained peaceful throughout, with students continuing to demand accountability over the alleged examination irregularities. Police personnel were deployed at the venue to maintain law and order, and officials reported that no untoward incidents occurred during the demonstration. The gathering formed part of a broader wave of student-led protests across the country over concerns related to competitive examinations.
The alleged NEET-UG paper leak has triggered widespread political debate and student protests, with demonstrators calling for stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of public examinations. The issue has prompted demands for greater transparency, stricter enforcement against examination malpractice and accountability from the authorities responsible for conducting national-level entrance tests, while the Centre has stated that it is taking steps to strengthen the examination system and address concerns raised by students.
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