BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi, Congress Over Kerala Protest Cases, Alleges ‘Double Standards’ on Student Demonstrations

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of adopting “double standards” in its approach to student protests across the country.

The BJP alleged that while Congress leaders have frequently criticised police action in BJP-ruled states, they have remained silent over the registration of thousands of cases against protesters in Kerala, where the Congress-led government is in power.

The political exchange comes amid continued debate over demonstrations linked to the alleged NEET paper leak.

Amit Malviya Targets Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi

BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya questioned the Congress leadership, alleging that concerns about students were being raised selectively for political reasons.

In a post on X, Malviya claimed that Kerala Police had registered cases against nearly 100 people, including rapper Vedan, in connection with a gathering organised in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

He further alleged that those leading nationwide student protests had not reacted to the police action in Kerala.“Their outrage appears to be reserved only for BJP/NDA-ruled states and now the Supreme Court too, exposing the hollowness of their claim of being ‘non-political’,” Malviya said.

He also took aim at Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, alleging that student-related issues were highlighted only when they could be used for political advantage.“If the concern were genuinely about students, the standards would be the same everywhere, not determined by who is in power,” he added.

Shehzad Poonawalla Echoes the Criticism

Joining the attack, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress of following different standards depending on the political context.

Using a popular analogy, he remarked that the Congress had “one set of standards for show and another for practice.”

Poonawalla claimed that while some states had withdrawn cases against peaceful protesters, the Kerala government had allegedly registered cases against nearly 5,000 people who participated in demonstrations.

He also criticised the Congress for demanding the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak while, according to him, not making similar demands in states where examination paper leak incidents had also surfaced.

Opposition Leader Seeks Withdrawal of Cases

Meanwhile, Kerala Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, urging the government to withdraw all cases unconditionally against those who took part in solidarity protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.

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In his letter, Vijayan said that students, youth groups, cultural activists and members of the public had participated in peaceful demonstrations across the state in support of the nationwide movement.

He alleged that around 5,000 protesters had been booked by the Kerala Police in connection with these demonstrations.

Police Register Separate Case in Kochi

In a separate development, Kochi Police registered a case against around 100 people, including the manager of rapper Vedan, over an event held at Panampilly Nagar in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests.

According to the police, the gathering was organised without obtaining prior permission from the authorities.

Officials confirmed that an investigation into the matter is currently underway.

Political Row Intensifies

The controversy has further intensified the political debate over the handling of student protests and freedom of expression.

While the BJP has accused the Congress of selective outrage and inconsistent standards, opposition leaders in Kerala continue to demand the withdrawal of protest-related cases, arguing that peaceful demonstrations should not lead to criminal proceedings.

With both parties exchanging allegations, the issue is expected to remain a key political flashpoint in the coming days.