BJP-Congress NEET Protest Turns Violent in Bengaluru

A joint protest by workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress over the NEET examination took a violent turn in Bengaluru on Wednesday. What began as a demonstration against the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam soon descended into chaos.

Clashes Break Out on the Streets

Sources at the scene reported that the situation escalated rapidly. Party workers from both sides, who had gathered in large numbers, began hurling stones at each other. The police, who were present to maintain order, were caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.

Officers quickly moved in to separate the two groups. The crowd, however, did not disperse immediately. The police then resorted to a lathi-charge to bring the situation under control. Several people from both parties are believed to have sustained minor injuries in the melee.

Police Intervene to Restore Order

“The protest was peaceful for the first hour. Then a group from one side started shouting slogans at the other. It quickly turned into a physical confrontation,” a police official at the scene told reporters. The official added that the situation is now under control, but a heavy police presence remains in the area as a precautionary measure.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of people injured or if any arrests have been made. An investigation into the incident has been initiated. Local business owners in the vicinity reported shutting down their shops for a few hours as the violence unfolded.

Political Reactions Pour In

Both the BJP and the Congress have issued statements condemning the violence. Each party has accused the other of instigating the clash. The Congress called the protest a “democratic right” and alleged that the BJP workers were trying to “sabotage” it. The BJP, in turn, claimed that the Congress had “no respect for law and order.”

The NEET examination has been a contentious issue in the state. Students and parents have been protesting for weeks over alleged paper leaks and question paper mismanagement. The violence on Wednesday is seen as a new low in the ongoing controversy.

City traffic was disrupted for several hours on key routes near the protest site. Commuters faced delays as police closed off roads to manage the situation.

What Happens Next

The police are expected to file a detailed report in the coming days. The city administration is likely to hold a meeting with both party leaders to ensure such incidents are not repeated. The future of the protest movement over the NEET exam remains uncertain after Wednesday's violence.