Assam CM Defends Minister's Daughter After NEET Protest Sparks Controversy

Videos circulating on social media showed Dibisa Mahanta, the daughter of Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta, taking part in a protest in Guwahati’s Chachal area on July 23‑24. The demonstration demanded accountability for alleged NEET‑UG 2026 paper‑leak irregularities and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Clips also captured slogans directed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded, stating that parents should not be held responsible for the political views or actions of adult children. He said, “I don’t think we should attack or troll Keshab Mahanta for the protest by his daughter,” and added that while he disagreed with the slogans, he would speak with Dibisa personally. Sarma likened the situation to his own family, noting that his son may also make independent choices as an adult. The incident has prompted debate within the state’s political circles about the propriety of a minister’s family member joining a student protest.