The Congress party is set to intensify its agitation over the NEET-CBSE controversies over the next fortnight. Party members have been directed to stay focused on issues pertaining to students and youth, without being distracted by the plans of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
CJP Protest Raises Concerns
The announcement of a physical protest by the CJP in Delhi on June 6 has raised antennae within the Congress party. There are concerns that this could be another 'India Against Corruption' strategy by political rivals. Congress strategists and youth organizations have identified the CJP's link to a rival party, and the Congress has advised its members to treat the outfit's actions with caution.
A Congress strategist stated, 'We are watchful, not worried. The country has been misled once, and it cannot be misled again.'
Rahul Gandhi Leads Opposition Charge
With Rahul Gandhi leading the opposition charge on the NEET-CBSE controversies, the Youth Congress has taken to the streets across cities that are believed to resonate with these twin issues. Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib kicked off a nationwide protest in Goa on May 29. The protest will cover Maharashtra, Telangana, Assam, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Punjab, culminating in Tamil Nadu on June 20.
The party's student wing, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), is also holding protests across various cities. On June 6, when the CJP holds its protest, the Youth Congress will hit the streets in Haryana.
Historical Context and Strategy
The Congress party is still scarred by memories of the Anna Hazare agitation during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, which led to the creation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). A Congress member remarked, 'The idea of others is to hype up the 'Gen Z movement' and then to project them as aligned with their political party. NEET is just incidental for them.'
The member added, 'But for us, NEET and the demand for the education minister's resignation are the prime issues. Ours is not a political agenda with NEET-CBSE as cover.'
