Bengaluru, June 22 (IANS) Karnataka Minister for Home, Priyank Kharge, on Monday hit back at the Opposition’s allegation that a government event in Bengaluru caused some students to miss the NEET re-examination, questioning how thousands of other candidates managed to reach their examination centres on time.

It can be recalled that thousands of students appeared for the much-anticipated NEET re-exam on Sunday at centres across Bengaluru but a few reportedly missed the exam due to traffic restrictions caused by a mega event organised by the state leadership.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge said the BJP had no moral authority to lecture others on issues concerning students.

“We do not need lessons from the BJP. If they are genuinely concerned about students, they should apologise to them. Over the last 10 years, around 22 lakh students have been affected and examination papers have reportedly leaked on nearly 90 occasions. Let them first apologise for that,” he said.

Kharge acknowledged that three students were unable to write the examination but rejected the allegation that the government event was responsible.

“It is true that three students could not take the exam. One of them was travelling from neighbouring town Magadi. Was the Congress rally held in Magadi? Another student reportedly came with an old hall ticket. The third student was travelling from RT Nagar,” he said.

He pointed out that NEET guidelines clearly specify that examination centre gates open at 11 A.M. and candidates must report well before the prescribed deadline.

“The standard operating procedures are very clear. Candidates are informed well in advance that they must reach the examination centre at least two-and-a-half hours before the exam. At RG College alone, around 720 students appeared for the examination, while about 120 were absent. How did the others manage to reach the centre on time?” he asked.

Accusing the BJP of politicising the issue, Kharge said the Opposition should approach the matter logically rather than attempting to score political points.

“If they want to do politics, they should do it logically and responsibly. First, they need to apologise. In Delhi too, some students reportedly missed their examinations. In Mumbai’s Parel and Dombivli areas, students faced similar issues. Does that mean the BJP-led governments there are responsible?” he questioned.

Kharge also cited previous instances involving delays and administrative lapses under the Central government.

“In Uttar Pradesh, a court imposed a fine of Rs 9 lakh on railway authorities for delays. Did anyone resign? Did Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw resign? After the NEET question paper leak controversy, did Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign?” he asked.

He concluded by saying that meaningful debate was possible only if discussions were based on facts and reason.

–IANS

mka/rad