A candlelight march was held in Shimla on Saturday evening by various political parties and the general public regarding the NEET exam paper leak issue which was led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Starting from the Indira Gandhi sports complex, the procession passed through the Scandal Point and concluded at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the Ridge. The protesters raised slogans vigorously throughout the event. The Chief Minister also administered the oath of the Preamble to the Constitution to the gathering.
Speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister stated that the march was organized with the cooperation of various political parties. He described it as an effort to secure justice for the students who were fighting for their rights at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. He affirmed that the people of Himachal Pradesh stand with all the youth struggling in this fight for justice.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for transparency in all competitive examinations so that the youth receive due rewards for their hard work. He demanded compensation of rupees one crore each for the families of the youth who committed suicide due to the NEET exam controversy.
Targeting the BJP, Sh. Sukhu remarked that paper leak incidents frequently surface in states governed by the BJP. He recalled that during the tenure of the previous BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the police recruitment exam paper was leaked, as were papers for recruitment exams conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission.
He noted that upon assuming power, the Congress government dissolved the commission, established the State Selection Commission in its place, and ensured the culprits were put behind bars.Shri Sukhu stated that the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi had lent his voice to the student's fight for justice. He stressed that ensuring transparency and fairness in matters concerning the future of the youth was of utmost importance.
The Chief Minister thanked the Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI(M) and the general public for the successful organization of the event.A large number of dignitaries attended the event, including Education Minister Rohit Thakur, MLAs Kuldeep Rathore and Sanjay Rattan, Congress State President Vinay Kumar, General Secretary Vinod Jinta, former MLA Rakesh Singha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, councilors, and leaders from the Congress and CPM parties.