Political Allegations Over NEET Paper Leak Accused
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress have exchanged accusations concerning the political affiliations of Shivraj Motegaonkar, the owner of the Latur-based RCC coaching institute and a key accused in the NEET paper leak case. The controversy highlights the intersection of education and politics in Maharashtra.
BJP's Charges Against Congress
The local BJP unit has circulated an old video featuring Motegaonkar alongside Congress leader Amit Deshmukh. In the footage, Motegaonkar is purportedly heard pledging his loyalty to the Congress party for the next “seven lives”. BJP’s Ausa MLA Abhimanyu Pawar alleged that Motegaonkar was a Congress worker “who openly campaigned for the party during the last assembly elections.” Pawar further stated, “Given this, Congress targeting BJP over the NEET scam is not only surprising but laughable.”
Congress's Counter-Allegations
In response, Congress member Pravin Suryawanshi asserted that the people of Latur are well aware of Motegaonkar’s actual political links. “Motegaonkar’s brother, Shrikrishna, is a BJP office bearer in Renapur, while his wife, Suman, is a BJP councillor in the Renapur Nagar Panchayat,” he said. Suryawanshi also released photographs showing Motegaonkar with BJP politicians, including Latur rural MLA Ramesh Karad.
Protests Targeting Coaching Institute
A day after the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) targeted the RCC coaching institute in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, local units of Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) staged similar protests on Tuesday. Demonstrators attempted to pelt stones and tear down advertisements outside the institute, but police intervention prevented any escalation.
Police Response and Security Measures
Inspector Pravina Yadav stated that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands. “The accused has been arrested and remanded to police custody for nine days. Such extended custody is typically granted in serious cases,” she said. Meanwhile, vacations have been announced across various branches of the coaching institute in the Marathwada region. Heavy police deployment has been put in place at centres in both Sambhajinagar and Latur following protests by opposition parties.
The ongoing controversy underscores the deep political divisions in the region and the impact of the NEET paper leak case on local politics. Both parties continue to trade barbs, while the investigation into the leak proceeds.
