Opposition using students' protests as political tool to serve interests: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused opposition parties of exploiting student protests over NEET-UG for political gain. He urged the opposition to debate the issue in Parliament rather than on the streets.
Why it matters
This reflects the deepening political divide in India regarding the handling of national examination controversies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) expressed serious concern over the ongoing students' protest in Delhi and accused the Opposition of attempting to use it as a "political tool" to fulfil its political interests.
Mr. Singh urged the Opposition to raise issues in Parliament instead of on the streets.
His remarks came as protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar entered the second month, with more supporters joining the agitation.
Additionally, leaders of several opposition parties, wearing black clothes, held a demonstration outside Parliament on Wednesday to express solidarity with students protesting against the NEET paper leak issue.
Follow the Jantar Mantar protest LIVE updates
"It is extremely unfortunate that some people are attempting to use the students and youth of our country as a political tool to fulfil their political interests," Mr. Singh said in a post on X.
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