Bengaluru: Students protest in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, demand accountability over NEET row

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jul 23, 2026: Hundreds of students, parents, professionals and activists gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Wednesday to express solidarity with social activist Sonam Wangchuk and demand accountability from the Union government over the alleged NEET paper leak.

The protesters called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and criticised the Centre for what they described as its inadequate response to student concerns. They also voiced disappointment over the government’s handling of the recent protest led by the Cockroach Janata Party in New Delhi.

Rishika K., a master’s student participating in the demonstration, said the New Delhi protest had been conducted peacefully and constitutionally, with Sonam Wangchuk undertaking a hunger strike, but alleged that the government’s response had been "apathetic" and "disturbing."

The demonstrators also criticised the Centre for focusing on issues such as Vande Mataram instead of addressing pressing concerns affecting students across the country.

Annirudh Menon, a private-sector employee who joined the protest, said students were seeking only basic accountability from elected representatives and that their frustration had led them to take to the streets.

Alifia Khera, a parent supporting the protest, said students spend years preparing for the NEET examination and urged the government to address their concerns seriously, adding that young people represent the country’s future.

Advocate Dhruti Vishwanath, who also participated in the protest, said such demonstrations across the country were intended to convey growing dissatisfaction among the public, particularly the youth, and urged the government to engage in dialogue with the protesters.