Chandigarh: The Haryana Congress on Friday held a candlelight march in Panchkula to pay tribute to students who allegedly lost their lives in the aftermath of the NEET paper leak controversy and demanded the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, besides greater accountability in the examination system.The march, led by Haryana Congress in-charge Sanjay Dutt and Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Rao Narendra Singh, began from the Community Centre in Sector 26 and culminated at Ambedkar Chowk. Congress leaders, party workers, students and local residents participated in the event.Addressing the gathering, Dutt alleged that repeated examination paper leaks during the BJP-led Centre’s tenure had jeopardised the future of millions of students and eroded public confidence in the country’s education system. He accused the Centre of failing to ensure a secure and transparent examination process.Demanding accountability, Dutt sought the resignation of Pradhan on moral grounds. He also called for financial compensation to families affected by the controversy and a govt job for one member of each bereaved family.HPCC chief Rao Narendra Singh said the Congress would intensify its campaign in support of students and launch the ‘Students’ Voice’ campaign across Haryana. He said the party would take students’ concerns to every village, school, college, coaching institute and university, besides raising the issue on the streets and in assembly.“The Congress stands firmly with students in their fight for justice and will continue its struggle until accountability is fixed,” Rao said.
