GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday, July 25, defended Cabinet colleague Keshab Mahanta after videos purportedly showing the minister's daughter participating in a protest over alleged NEET-UG 2026 examination irregularities went viral on social media.
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The controversy erupted after the daughter of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader and Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta was seen at a protest in Guwahati on Thursday demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 irregularities and calling for the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Responding to the controversy, Sarma said adult children should not be judged based on their parents' political affiliations or beliefs.
"I don't think we should attack or troll Keshab Mahanta for the protest by his daughter. She may not follow her father's political ideology. Tomorrow when my son practises law, he may defend someone whom I may not like," the Chief Minister told reporters.
He added that once children become adults, their actions should not be linked to their parents.
At the same time, Sarma said he disagreed with the slogans raised during the protest.
"I do not agree with the slogans she raised. When I meet her next time, I will definitely talk to her about it and try to make her understand that what she said was not right," he said.
Keshab Mahanta has not issued any public statement on the matter.
On Saturday, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister amid mounting pressure over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The resignation was followed by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) calling off its 37-day protest after the Centre accepted several of its demands.