BJP protests Congress demonstration near PM's residence; scuffle breaks out in Vijayawada

BJP workers on Wednesday staged a protest in Vijayawada condemning the Congress party's demonstration held near the official residence of the Prime Minister in New Delhi.

Raising slogans of "Rahul Gandhi Down Down", BJP leaders and workers marched towards the Congress party office and attempted to lay siege to it as part of their protest.

A scuffle broke out between BJP and Congress leaders during the protest.


Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Congress stepped up its attack on the BJP-led Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accusing the government of suppressing students' voices by refusing to allow a discussion in Parliament.

State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had honoured his commitment to students by raising the issue both inside and outside Parliament and would continue the agitation until a foolproof examination system is put in place.

He alleged that Gandhi's protest near the Prime Minister's residence was peaceful and democratic, and claimed the Congress leader was detained after the government refused to allow a discussion on the issue.

Sapkal also condemned the alleged police action against student protesters in Delhi and demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said the Congress, along with its Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), would intensify the agitation across Maharashtra.

He added that the Opposition continued to demand a discussion in Parliament on the alleged NEET paper leak and Pradhan's resignation over the handling of the controversy.

(With inputs from agencies)