New Delhi [India], July 22 : Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy on Wednesday extended support to the Congress protest led by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi outside the Prime Minister's residence, demanding a probe into the alleged NEET paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
On the Congress protest outside the Prime Minister's 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence on Tuesday, Sougata Roy said, "I extend my full support. A probe into the NEET paper leak and Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation must happen. Congress is the main Opposition party, and we support them. BJP is a fascist party and would not want any protest to take place."
Speaking to ANI about the Congress protest outside the PM's residence, AITC MLA Humayun Kabir said, "They (BJP) are not giving any space or passage to opposition. This is not right. In a republic country, everyone should be given a pass. They should be given space to speak their minds..."
Furthermore, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP A Raja also backed the protest, saying, "Everybody has the right to fight."
Meanwhile, Rajasthan BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore criticised the Congress protest, calling it an act of desperation by Rahul Gandhi. He accused the opposition of indulging in "theatrics" for headlines.
"I think this is the height of desperation. Rahul Gandhi has no issues and is merely engaging in theatrics, seeking headlines. I believe no opposition party has ever attempted such a thing... We too will protest. We will protest at various Congress offices across India today," Rathore said.
Reacting to AAP MP Sanjay Singh's statement, Rathore said, "The opposition has no thought, and they have formed the INDIA bloc by bringing together people of different opinions, so they will blame each other and engage in theatrics..."
The Opposition remarks came a day after the Congress staged a protest outside 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the premises of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The opposition MPs held protests wearing black clothes against the government on the Parliament premises. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi, among others, were present at the protest.