Credit War Over NEET? Sonam Wangchuk Camp Slams 'Insincere' Politics As INDIA Allies Trade Barbs
Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 13:25 ISTWith accusations of opportunism flying between Congress, AAP, and SP, the focus risks shifting from students' demands to a contest over who gets credit for championing the. . .
Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 13:25 ISTWith accusations of opportunism flying between Congress, AAP, and SP, the focus risks shifting from students' demands to a contest over who gets credit for championing the causeRapid ReadRapid ReadSummarized by AI. +NEET protest devolves into a political credit war. Sonam Wangchuk's camp slams parties for insincere, agenda-driven support. INDIA bloc allies (Congress, AAP, SP) trade barbs, shifting focus from student demands and exposing cracks in the opposition. While opposition parties have sought to corner the BJP-led government over alleged failures in examination governance, the Wangchuk camp has insisted that the movement is not about political point-scoring. (AFP)What began as a united show of support for students protesting irregularities in the NEET examination and demanding the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has now spiralled into a political credit war, exposing cracks within the Opposition. A day after Congress leaders staged a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence over the NEET issue, activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, publicly questioned the sincerity of political parties seeking to associate themselves with the movement. Recommended StoriesDoping Notice Forces Judoka Arun Kumar Out Of Commonwealth Games: ReportHow to Buy a FASTag Annual Pass Online: Steps, Covered Toll Plazas and MoreThis Bizarre Indian Railway Station Is Split Right Down The Middle Between Two StatesAbhinav Bindra Calls For Education System That ‘Inspires Confidence’“For us, there is no opposition and no government. Parliament is the highest institution we respect and we want it to look at education," Angmo said, reiterating that the movement remains “apolitical". She added that while everyone is welcome to support the cause, it should be done “with purity of heart". “Whoever has come with their own agenda will fall by the wayside. We are aligned with every political party and every well-meaning individual that wants to take India to the next level. "In a reference to the Congress protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, which saw senior leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi being detained, Angmo said the demonstration lacked sincerity. “It would have been more sincere if it was done by joining hands at Jantar Mantar. The public cannot be fooled anymore. This is an awakened India. Those who are insincere will be thrown out by the young generation. Political leaders have to walk the talk; they can’t gaslight anymore. "AAP-Congress SparringAngmo’s remarks also came amid an escalating spat between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), both members of the INDIA bloc. AAP accused the Congress of indulging in “petty politics" and attempting to hijack the student-led agitation instead of presenting a united opposition against the Centre. The party alleged there was a “jugalbandi" between the Congress and the BJP, claiming the Congress’s protest was aimed more at political optics than strengthening the movement. Taking to X, AAP MP Atishi spoke of the quick governmental response to Congress’s protest, contrasting it with the delayed attention to student demonstrators. AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh too questioned Congress’s motives. He criticized Rahul Gandhi’s invitation to join the Congress protest, alleging an attempt to overshadow the student-led movement at Jantar Mantar. The Congress, led by its key figures, has been demanding accountability from the government over recent police actions against protesters. Congress, however, hit back sharply. Congress MP Jothimani accused AAP of weakening the broader fight against the BJP by attacking fellow Opposition parties instead of focusing on the NEET issue. Friction With Samajwadi PartyThe discord is not limited to AAP and Congress. Tensions also surfaced between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Wednesday. Sources said SP leaders were unhappy that Congress members interrupted proceedings when Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had invited Akhilesh Yadav to speak. Before leaving the House, Akhilesh Yadav is learnt to have told Congress general secretary KC Venugopal: “We support you. Why did you not let us speak?"The episode fuelled speculation about growing unease within the INDIA bloc even as opposition parties attempt to mount a coordinated attack on the government over the NEET controversy. Student Movement Vs Political MessagingThe developments highlight an increasingly visible disconnect between the organisers of the NEET protests and political parties trying to align themselves with the agitation. While opposition parties have sought to corner the BJP-led government over alleged failures in examination governance, the Wangchuk camp has insisted that the movement is not about political point-scoring. Angmo’s remarks underscore that message: support is welcome from all quarters, she said, but only if it is free from partisan agendas. With accusations of political opportunism now flying between allies as well as against the ruling BJP, the focus risks shifting from students’ demands for accountability and education reforms to a contest over who gets credit for championing the cause. News18 NewsletterHandpicked stories, in your inboxA newsletter with the best of our journalismKey Questions AnsweredThe INDIA bloc faces internal rifts regarding the NEET issue, with allies trading barbs and questioning each other's sincerity. About the AuthorApoorva MisraApoorva Misra is a News Editor at News18. com with a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering fresh angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers. Foll. . . Read MoreLocation :First Published:July 23, 2026, 13:25 ISTNewsexplainersCredit War Over NEET? Sonam Wangchuk Camp Slams 'Insincere' Politics As INDIA Allies Trade BarbsDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. Loading comments. . . Read More