Supriya Sule slams Centre over Sonam Wangchuk fast, NEET paper leak
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) Member of Parliament Supriya Sule on Friday, 17 July visited Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to express solidarity with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a 19-day fast-unto-death, and sharply criticised the Centre for what she called its 'absolute insensitivity' toward Wangchuk's protest. Sule also condemned the NEET-UG paper leak as a nationwide 'crime' inflicted on lakhs of students.
Sule at Jantar Mantar: Solidarity and a Health Appeal
Baramati MP Supriya Sule met Wangchuk and activist Abhijit Dipke at the protest site, urging Wangchuk to break his fast on health grounds. She described the social reformer and environmentalist as 'an invaluable asset to the nation.' Despite her appeal, she acknowledged Wangchuk's firm resolve to continue until his demands — including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a formal dialogue with the central government — were addressed.
'The government is showing absolute insensitivity. Someone from the ruling side should have reached out to him to initiate a dialogue, but no one bothered to show up,' Sule said. She noted that her visit drew 'overwhelming praise and encouragement' from hundreds of constituents in her Baramati parliamentary constituency.
NEET-UG Leak: 'Grave Injustice to Lakhs of Children'
Sule strongly condemned the irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, calling them not isolated incidents but a 'grave injustice perpetrated against lakhs of innocent children across the entire country.' She characterised the paper leak as a systemic failure requiring urgent accountability, echoing the Opposition's broader demand for Minister Pradhan's resignation. This comes amid sustained nationwide protests by medical aspirants and their families demanding a re-examination and an independent probe.
Constitutional Amendment Bill and One Nation, One Election
Addressing other political issues, Sule clarified the Opposition's position on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, stating that the current format is unacceptable. 'There is an absolute need for extensive debate and discussion on this Bill. We are firmly against its implementation in its current state,' she said. On the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, she noted that discussions remain ongoing and cautioned that any debate on a Delimitation Bill is premature until an official draft is formally introduced.
Yogi Meeting and Pawar Family Chapter 'Officially Closed'
Sule defended her recent meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow, calling cross-party engagement a 'routine necessity' for public representatives. On the long-running speculation of a political reconciliation within the Pawar family following the Nationalist Congress Party split, Sule said the chapter is now closed. She revealed that her late brother had strongly wished for the two factions to reunite, and that the proposal had come entirely from his side.
'It was my brother's final wish. As a family, we tried our best to fulfil his last wish. However, the responses and public statements from the other side made it crystal clear that they have absolutely no intention of joining hands. Now that my brother is no more, we are putting an end to this discussion. The chapter is officially closed. We will continue to do our work with utmost self-respect,' Sule said. Her remarks underscore the deep emotional and political fractures that continue to shape Maharashtra's political landscape.