The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) stands in strong solidarity with the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), an affiliate of the Indian National Congress, and its president, Varun Chaudhary, in their struggle against the targeted attacks and unjust persecution by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Indian government.
We are deeply concerned and alarmed by the systematic efforts of the BJP government to undermine democratic principles and suppress student activism.
Of particular concern to IUSY is the recent National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) scam. In which the exam paper was leaked by the National Testing Agency, to select paying students. This is a glaring example of the deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement within the current administration. Instead of addressing these critical issues transparently and taking corrective action, the government has chosen to target and vilify those who seek to question its actions and demand accountability.
Furthermore, the unprecedented move to ban opposition leaders from the Indian Parliament for raising these pertinent questions is a direct assault on the democratic fabric of India. The Parliament is a sacrosanct institution where elected representatives must have the freedom to voice concerns and hold the government accountable. Silencing opposition voices not only undermines the spirit of democracy but also sets a dangerous precedent for future governance.
We condemn these actions in the strongest terms and call on the BJP-led government to cease its oppressive tactics against the NSUI, its leadership, and the broader opposition. We demand an immediate and impartial investigation into the NEET exam scam and urge the government to uphold the democratic rights of all citizens, including the right to protest and the freedom of expression.
IUSY stands with the NSUI and all progressive forces in India fighting for justice, transparency, and democratic integrity. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting student movements and opposition voices worldwide that are courageously standing up against authoritarianism and advocating for a just and equitable society.
18 July 2024
