CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Under the leadership of the State President of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Ashutosh Chouksey, a massive protest and encirclement of the Chief Minister’s residence took place today in Bhopal. The protest was held against the Agniveer scheme, the nursing and NEET scams, and to demand student union elections. The rally started in front of the State Congress Headquarters and targeted the BJP government of Madhya Pradesh.
NSUI National President Varun Chaudhary addressed NSUI officials and workers from across the state, condemning the central government’s involvement in the Agniveer scheme and the nursing scam, accusing it of betraying soldiers and doctors who serve the nation. He noted that earlier, searching for Bhopal on Google would show its lakes, temples, and Asia’s largest Taj-ul-Masjid, but now it reveals a long list of scams. He pointed out that Madhya Pradesh, once the foundation of the RSS, has now become a foundation of corruption. He emphasized that the movement would continue until justice is served to NEET students and nursing aspirants and demanded the cancellation of the Agniveer scheme.
State Congress President Jitu Patwari criticized Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and his ministers for the nursing scam affecting 400,000 students. He highlighted the plight of students, particularly from the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, who paid hefty fees for nursing courses. Patwari called for the resignation of corrupt officials and the re-conduct of NEET exams. He also announced plans to file reports against Minister Vishwas Sarang and organize a march in Narela constituency if police do not act.
Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Umang Singhar, pointed out that major examination scams, including NEET and nursing, have tarnished the state’s reputation. He accused BJP ministers and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting the scam masterminds. Former minister Jaivardhan Singh added that nursing students who paid significant fees are still stuck in their first year, with no progression or degrees, while the corrupt officials roam free.
NSUI state president Ashutosh Chouksey expressed concerns over the Agniveer scheme, which he claimed would ruin the future of youth, and criticized the state government’s discontinuation of student union elections. He demanded direct elections for student unions to curb mismanagement by college administrations.
The protest saw significant police action, with the administration using batons, tear gas, and water cannons against the demonstrators, resulting in injuries to many, including State Congress President Jitu Patwari and NSUI President Ashutosh Chouksey, who were hospitalized. The police also arrested several leaders, including Patwari and Chouksey.
Prominent Congress leaders, including Mukesh Nayak, Rajeev Singh, Sajjan Singh Verma, and former NSUI presidents, visited the injured leaders in the hospital, wishing them a speedy recovery.
Throughout the protest, students and leaders from across the state voiced their demands for justice in the NEET and nursing scams, opposition to the Agniveer scheme, and the resumption of student union elections.
