Shimla: The Congress, along with the CPI(M) and members of the public, organised a candlelight march in Shimla on Saturday in support of students protesting over the NEET paper leak issue. The march came after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the withdrawal of the nationwide agitation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the procession began at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, passed through Scandal Point and concluded at Mahatma Gandhi's statue on the Ridge. During the programme, the Chief Minister administered the oath on the Preamble to the Constitution.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhu said the march was organised to express solidarity with students who fought for justice at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. He said the people of Himachal Pradesh stood firmly with the youth and reiterated the need for transparency and fairness in all competitive examinations.
The Chief Minister demanded ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy.
Crediting Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for supporting the agitation, Sukhu said Gandhi had emerged as the "voice of justice" by standing with students throughout their struggle and consistently raising the issue of transparency and accountability in the examination system.
Launching a political attack on the BJP, Sukhu alleged that paper leak scandals had repeatedly surfaced under BJP governments, including the police recruitment examination and Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission recruitment paper leak cases in the state. He said the Congress government dissolved the commission after coming to power, constituted the State Selection Commission and ensured that those responsible were sent behind bars.
The Chief Minister thanked the CPI(M) and the public for joining the march. Among those present were Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Congress State President Vinay Kumar, MLAs Kuldeep Rathore and Sanjay Rattan, Congress General Secretary Vinod Jinta, former MLA Rakesh Singha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, councillors and leaders of the Congress and CPI(M).
