Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Tuesday, 21 July asserted that young people across the country continue to place their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even amid the ongoing protests over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Dubey said the core demand of students who participated in the 'Sansad Chalo' march was greater transparency in the examination system and the severest possible punishment for those responsible for the leak.

What Dubey Said

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, the BJP MP said he had walked for 45 minutes on Ashok Road and Parliament Street during the march and that protesting students had taken approximately 100 selfies with him. He described the mood among the youth as one of confidence in the Prime Minister rather than opposition to him.

'This movement still considers Prime Minister Modi as its leader. Even today, if the youth trust anyone, it is Modi ji,' Dubey said. He added that students conveyed a clear message to him: 'Convey to the Prime Minister that there should be transparency in these matters and that the responsible people should be punished severely.'

Dubey noted that Prime Minister Modi had already responded to this demand, stating publicly that 'the strictest punishment will be given to the guilty.'

Allegations of Political Opportunism

Dubey also alleged that the protest movement was being exploited for political gain. He specifically named Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), claiming Dipke was using the agitation as a launchpad for an electoral career. Dubey alleged that individuals around Dipke had links to the Bhim Army and had previously opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

'We know that from the JP movement, leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav emerged; from the Anna Hazare movement, leaders like Arvind Kejriwal emerged. Now, we know that Abhijeet Dipke will also join a political party, and he will start from the Bhim Army,' Dubey said.

Violence During 'Sansad Chalo' March

Dubey's remarks followed violent clashes that erupted on Monday, 20 July, when thousands of CJP supporters and students marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak. Security personnel were deployed to contain the situation.

BJP's Stand and Modi's Assurance

Reiterating the party's position, Dubey said the BJP stands firmly with students. He disclosed that at the NDA's 'Mangal Milan' programme, Prime Minister Modi had addressed the issue directly, stating that paper leaks are 'not limited' to a single state or the Central government but are 'a matter of concern for the entire nation.'

Modi noted that the government had acted promptly, resulting in the arrest of 13 individuals linked to the case so far. He urged lawyers to unite and ensure the guilty face the strictest punishment. Dubey echoed this, saying: 'The 13 people who are in jail will be opposed by the country's top lawyers, and it will be ensured that all the guilty receive the strictest punishment.'

What Comes Next

The NEET-UG controversy has intensified pressure on the Centre to overhaul examination governance. With 13 arrests made and Prime Minister Modi personally weighing in, the government faces a test of whether its assurances translate into credible legal outcomes. Student groups have indicated they will continue to monitor the case closely, and further protests cannot be ruled out if accountability measures are seen as inadequate.