A political clash erupted in Bengaluru after a Congress party rally at Palace Grounds on June 21, 2026, coincided with the NEET entrance examination, causing severe traffic disruptions that delayed students. Karnataka Congress leader Priyank Kharge and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya traded accusations over the incident, with each side presenting conflicting narratives.
Key Facts from Priyank Kharge
According to Priyank Kharge, a total of 720 students were allotted RC College as their NEET examination centre. Of these, 142 were absent. Three students missed the exam due to the rally-related traffic, Kharge claimed, dismissing allegations of widespread disruption. He labelled Tejasvi Surya as a “serial misinformation MP” spreading “half-truths and manufactured outrage.”
BJP’s Accusations
Tejasvi Surya countered by stating that the Congress party deliberately chose the same day as NEET for its rally at Palace Grounds, leading to massive traffic jams across Bengaluru. He asserted that many students were delayed, reaching exam centres in panic. Surya’s tweet highlighted the poor planning, saying, “The Congress party could have chosen any other day for its rally at Palace Grounds. Instead, it chose the very day thousands of students are appearing for NEET.”
Impact on Students
The traffic disruptions reportedly caused stress among students and parents. While Kharge downplayed the impact, citing only three missed exams, Surya’s claims suggest a broader problem. The exact number of students affected across all centres remains unclear. The incident has reignited debate over political events during crucial examinations.
Political Fallout
The exchange reflects ongoing tensions between the ruling Congress in Karnataka and the BJP opposition. Both leaders used the incident to criticize each other’s priorities. Kharge’s detailed breakdown of attendance aimed to counter allegations of negligence, while Surya focused on the inconvenience caused to students. The controversy underscores the need for better coordination between political events and exam schedules in Bengaluru.
