Ravi Shankar Prasad Blasts Opposition Over Child‑Focused Protest Near PM’s Residence

At a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad let loose a scathing critique of opposition parties, saying they had crossed a line by pulling children into a demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s residence. "It is one thing to protest, it is another to drag innocent youngsters into a high‑security zone," he said, his tone a mix of irritation and warning.

Prasad reminded the reporters that the area surrounding the PM’s house is classified as a high‑security zone, with strict protocols meant to shield the nation’s top leader. "We have a responsibility to protect not just the Prime Minister, but also every citizen, especially children who should be shielded from political drama," he added, pausing briefly before continuing.

The minister alleged that the protest, organised by a coalition of opposition leaders, was staged without any meaningful dialogue with the government. He pointed out that senior officials, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, had already reached out to the demonstrators to discuss grievances, particularly those revolving around the ongoing NEET examination controversy.

According to Prasad, the opposition initially appeared open to talks but later fanned the flames, turning a legitimate concern into a spectacle. "They chose to use school‑going kids as props, hoping to gain sympathy, but that only shows a lack of respect for both the security machinery and the children themselves," he asserted.

He further argued that such a move was not only irresponsible but also politically motivated. "When you stage a protest at the Prime Minister’s house, you’re not just making a point about NEET or any other issue – you’re challenging the very security framework that keeps the nation safe," Prasad said, his voice rising slightly.

The BJP’s stance, as reiterated by Prasad, is that the government has already acknowledged the concerns raised about the NEET examination and is taking steps to address them. "We are ready to engage, we have opened channels, but we will not entertain theatrics that endanger public safety," he concluded, a hint of finality in his words.

Opposition leaders, for their part, have not yet issued a formal response to Prasad’s accusations. The incident adds another layer to the escalating political tussle over NEET, with both sides accusing each other of either stone‑walling or politicising a sensitive educational issue.