Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday urged political parties not to convert the NEET examination controversy into a political campaign, even as he acknowledged that student concerns over the medical entrance test are genuine and deserve a serious response. Sarma made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Guwahati, at a time when Assam is grappling with one of its most severe flood crises of the year.

Sarma's Stand on NEET

The Chief Minister expressed empathy with students affected by the NEET row, stressing that the government wants India's examination system to be more transparent and credible. He noted that the Centre has already moved to address systemic concerns around the medical entrance examination.

'We have full sympathy with the concerns of the students. We all want the examination system to improve and become more credible. The Prime Minister has already taken steps in this regard,' Sarma said.

He also defended Assam's own track record, asserting that the state has conducted NEET without any reported irregularities and has steadily expanded the number of medical seats available to students from the state. 'I do not think there is any specific complaint relating to Assam regarding the conduct of the NEET examination. We have ensured that the process remains fair and transparent,' he said.

Floods Take Priority

Sarma drew a sharp contrast between the national debate over NEET and the immediate humanitarian crisis unfolding across several districts of Assam. He said that districts including Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, and Jorhat are currently witnessing severe flooding, with thousands of residents struggling for survival.

'At this moment, thousands of people in districts such as Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat are struggling for survival because of the floods. Our foremost responsibility is to stand with those affected. Humanity comes above everything else,' the Chief Minister said.

He made clear that flood relief and rehabilitation for affected families remain the state government's immediate priority, even as it continues to monitor the examination issue at the national level.

The Broader NEET Context

The NEET controversy has roiled national politics in recent weeks, with allegations of paper leaks and irregularities prompting protests across several states. The Centre has faced mounting pressure from opposition parties and student groups to overhaul the examination framework. Sarma's remarks signal a clear divergence from opposition voices that have sought to intensify political pressure on the government over the issue.

Notably, this is not the first time that a ruling-party chief minister has cautioned against politicising the NEET debate — but Sarma's framing, linking it to an active flood emergency, adds a distinctive local dimension to the national conversation.

What Comes Next

With the Centre already reported to have initiated corrective measures, attention will now shift to whether those steps satisfy student demands for systemic reform. In Assam, the government's immediate focus remains on flood relief operations, with the Chief Minister indicating that rehabilitation efforts across affected districts will take precedence in the days ahead.