Kolkata, Jul 27 (PTI) The BJP held twin rallies in Kolkata on Monday to protest the violence during a protest march in the city three days ago against the NEET question paper leak, and alleged that the CJP-Left students had the backing of Islamic fundamentalists.
The rallies by BJP leaders and supporters started from Golpark in south Kolkata and Sealdah station in the central part of the city. They will culminate at Jadavpur and Esplanade respectively.
Leading the rally from Sealdah, BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh alleged that the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) comprises members of the TMC, Communists and the Congress, who oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“People of all hues, including those who are not BJP workers, are participating in the rallies to stand for the cause of the nation,” he told reporters.
Questioning why journalists were assaulted during the July 24 protest against the NEET question paper leak, Ghosh alleged that they had the backing of “Jamatis” (Islamic fundamentalists).
Participants in the BJP rallies carried the national flag and held placards to protest the attack on journalists while women in red and yellow sarees beat dhaks — traditional Indian drums — and blew conch shells.
Accusing the CJP of trying to divide the country, the participants said they have assembled to protest anti-national activities.
Clashes broke out between Left-backed protestors and police personnel during the demonstration on Friday, prompting security forces to baton-charge and fire tear gas shells to disperse the agitators.
The state invoked its newly enacted anti-goonda law against those accused of orchestrating violence during Friday’s NEET protest, with Adhikari warning they would face punishment “their next three generations will remember”.
A total of 14 people have been apprehended so far for the violence.
He had told the assembly that around 70 people identified from the rally were “not students” and had no connection with the agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak. PTI AMR NSD
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