NEET Protests Intensify Across Assam as Political Figures Face Scrutiny

Guwahati: Protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak spread across Assam this week. Students and activists filled streets from Guwahati to Doomdooma. They demanded the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement seeks a total overhaul of the national examination system.

In Guwahati, the demonstration took a political turn. Dibisa Mahanta joined the crowd at Chachal on July 23. She is the daughter of Assam Cabinet Minister and AGP leader Keshab Mahanta. Video clips circulating online showed her chanting an abusive slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The footage triggered an immediate social media firestorm. Neither Dibisa Mahanta nor her father responded to requests for comment. Her social media accounts appeared to be deactivated shortly after the event.

The All Assam Minority Students Union stepped up pressure on July 24. They held rallies in Juria and Kokrajhar. Members wore black badges to condemn Delhi Police for their alleged assault on students during the recent Chalo Sansad march. They labeled the police response an attack on democratic rights.

In Doomdooma, students gathered near a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Police briefly confronted the group for lacking a permit. Protesters insisted their presence was a spontaneous, non-partisan effort. “The repeated irregularities in competitive examinations have shattered the trust of students. We demand the resignation of the Union Education Minister and a transparent, fair and accountable examination system,” the group stated.

These protests align with a nationwide movement. Activist Sonam Wangchuk recently ended a 26-day hunger strike after talks with the central government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to introduce legislation. This law would create fast-track courts to handle paper leak cases. It promises stricter punishments for those manipulating the system. For now, students in Assam maintain their campaign. They demand accountability and a secure future for all examinees.