Mangaluru: Thousands of students protest NEET row, say ’our future is not for sale’

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jul 25, 2026: Thousands of students and parents took to the streets in Mangaluru on Friday, demanding action over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and reforms in the country’s competitive examination system.

Carrying placards with messages such as "Our Future Is Not for Sale," "We Want Justice," and "The NEET Scam Has Destroyed Our Dreams," the students marched from Hampankatta to Town Hall. They later gathered outside Town Hall and raised slogans against the Central government.

The protesters carried only the Indian national flag, avoiding the use of political party flags or banners to underline that the demonstration was a non-political, student-led movement.

The protest was organised in solidarity with students demonstrating in Delhi. The protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who has been accused by opposition parties of failing to prevent the alleged NEET irregularities. They also called for compensation to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET question paper leak controversy.

Students from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities participated in the protest, conveying a message of unity. No political leaders attended the demonstration, and only students addressed the gathering.

As evening fell, several students lit candles and paid tribute to those who had lost their lives in connection with the NEET controversy.