Protests erupt in two locations as Congress youth wing alleges undemocratic tactics

 The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) staged a heated protest at College Square here on Wednesday, burning a symbolic effigy of the Election Commission after Congress Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was rejected.

The cancellation has triggered sharp reactions across the region, with party workers accusing the poll body of partisanship. District NSUI president Pankaj Upadhyay led the demonstration, where activists raised slogans defending the Constitution and questioned the Commission's functioning.

Effigy burned at College Square

The protest gained momentum around late morning, with students and youth workers gathering in significant numbers. By noon, the crowd had set the effigy ablaze while chanting anti-establishment slogans.

"This isn't just about one nomination rejection," Upadhyay told the gathering. "First they ignored the mandate, then tried to break opposition MLAs. When that failed, they got our candidate's nomination cancelled."

 'Democracy under attack' at Mangawan tehsil

Separately, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee organised a dharna and fast at Mangawan tehsil campus over the same issue. Local leaders addressed the crowd, calling the rejection an assault on democratic values and constitutional spirit.

Congress functionaries alleged the timing and nature of the cancellation pointed to a coordinated effort. Sources familiar with the party's internal discussions said the leadership is considering approaching the Election Commission formally for clarification.

Tribal woman leader's candidature flagged

Upadhyay made pointed remarks about the BJP's stance on women's empowerment. "They speak of women's reservation and empowerment, yet a tribal woman is being stopped from reaching Rajya Sabha," he said. "This double standard is unfortunate and condemnable."

Natarajan, a tribal community leader, had filed her nomination as the Congress candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. The returning officer rejected her papers citing technical grounds, though opposition leaders have questioned the validity of those reasons.

Demand for EC impartiality

Protesters maintained that the sequence of events raises serious questions about the neutrality of democratic institutions. "The entire episode goes against the spirit of the Constitution," Upadhyay said. "We demand the Election Commission play a fair role and uphold the dignity of democratic bodies."

The NSUI warned that students and youth will continue their struggle to protect democratic rights. Party office-bearers and workers remained present at both protest locations through the afternoon, with no reports of police intervention.

The Congress high command has not yet announced whether it will challenge the nomination rejection before the Election Commission or the courts.

The alleged NEET 2026 paper leak controversy continued to trigger political protests in Madhya Pradesh as the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) announced a demonstration outside the residence of the state Deputy Chief Minister on May 19 in Rewa. The student organisation accused the Centre of failing to protect the integrity of national-level examinations and demanded immediate structural reforms in the testing system.

The announcement came during a press conference held in Rewa on Sunday, where NSUI district president Pankaj Upadhyay said party workers and students would protest by ringing bells and blowing conch shells outside the Deputy CM’s residence. The protest, according to NSUI leaders, aims to highlight what they described as the “silence of public representatives” on repeated examination controversies.

Protest Call Issued

Under its “NEET 2026 Nyay Abhiyan”, the NSUI placed a series of demands before the Centre and examining authorities. The organisation called for the immediate dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA), alleging repeated failures in conducting transparent and secure examinations. The student body also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged lapses in the examination process. NSUI leaders further sought a Supreme Court-monitored CBI investigation into the matter, claiming that only an independent inquiry could establish accountability in the case.

Demands Over Students

Apart from demanding punitive action, the organisation raised concerns over the mental and financial stress faced by students due to repeated examination controversies. NSUI leaders said students affected by the alleged paper leak should receive free mental health counselling and legal assistance. They also demanded that if a re-examination is conducted, the government should provide free travel and accommodation facilities to candidates. According to organisation members, lakhs of students and parents across the country continue to face uncertainty amid reports related to examination irregularities.

Questions On System

During the press conference, NSUI leaders referred to previous controversies linked to national entrance examinations, including the 2015 AIPMT paper leak case and allegations surrounding NEET examinations in recent years. They argued that repeated incidents have raised serious questions over the credibility of the country’s examination system. The organisation also demanded an investigation into the role of coaching hubs such as Kota, Sikar and Jaipur in alleged paper leak networks. NSUI representatives said merely conducting a re-test would not solve deeper systemic issues linked to examination security and accountability.

Congress Joins Protest

Before the NSUI announcement, Congress workers in Rewa also staged a protest over the NEET 2026 issue. Party workers organised a torch march in the city and raised slogans against the Central government. The protestors alleged that repeated examination controversies were damaging the future of students and eroding public confidence in the education system. Congress leaders demanded strict action against those responsible for any irregularities and called for stronger safeguards to ensure transparency in competitive examinations.

Political Heat Rises

The issue has started gaining political traction in Madhya Pradesh as opposition parties attempt to corner the Centre over alleged failures in examination management.

The NEET controversy has already sparked protests in several states, with student organisations demanding reforms in the functioning of the NTA. Opposition leaders have accused the government of failing to prevent leaks despite previous incidents and warnings. Government agencies, however, have maintained that investigations into examination-related irregularities are being conducted as per procedure. No official statement regarding the Rewa protest announcement had been issued till Sunday evening.

Impact On Aspirants

Education experts believe repeated controversies surrounding entrance examinations could impact the trust of students preparing for highly competitive medical and engineering tests. The uncertainty over examination schedules, investigations and possible re-tests has also increased anxiety among aspirants and parents. Student groups have been demanding long-term reforms, including stronger digital monitoring systems and stricter anti-cheating laws. The alleged NEET 2026 paper leak issue has now become a major public interest story, drawing attention from political parties, student organisations and coaching centres across the country.

NSUI leaders said preparations for the May 19 protest are underway and workers from different parts of the district are expected to participate. Security arrangements are also likely to be reviewed by local authorities ahead of the demonstration.

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