ABVP rally against anti-national, Islamist disruption in Kolkata 'NEET' rally; call out brutal attack on journalists
ABVP stated that on Friday, anti-national elements attempted to replicate a Nepal- or Bangladesh-like situation in Kolkata.
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A day after the BJP held a rally in Kolkata against anti-national and Islamist forces targeting media persons, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organized another similar protest on Tuesday, July 28, against the presence of outside forces at the Friday, 24th July 'NEET' rally and the attacks on journalists.
Separately, the RSS has raised concerns about Islamists operating in the state of West Bengal. The organization stated that anti-national voices had grown louder since the BJP came to power in Bengal, alleging that such groups view "jihadis" as their patrons and prioritize opposing the BJP over national interest, going beyond mere appeasement politics.
During the 'NEET' rally in Kolkata on July 24, several TV journalists and media persons were brutally attacked by anti-national elements and Islamists. As per the reports, one of the accused, Mohammad Afroz (Youtuber) yelled 'Godi Media, Godi Media' at one of the media persons, after which the crowd chased and pelted objects at the journalist. Even separatist slogans of 'Azadi Azadi' were raised at the rally. The other accused persons who were allegedly attacking the media persons have been identified as Sheikh Nizamuddin, Naheed and Tanweer Alam, claimed to be members of the CPM’s youth wing, DYFI and SFI, respectively.
Lawyers appearing for the accused argued in court, citing the Supreme Court’s order directing that no coercive action be taken against protesters other than those with criminal antecedents. The Supreme Court has also asked all states to release children below 18 years who were arrested during the protest programmes.
Participants converged on Sealdah from Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, Baruipur, and Barrackpore. A separate rally comprising ABVP supporters from Howrah, Hooghly, and Arambag started from Howrah. Around 13,500 students and teachers' groups also held a demonstration on Rani Rashmoni Road.
ABVP stated that on Friday, anti-national elements attempted to replicate a Nepal- or Bangladesh-like situation in Kolkata. State secretary Nilkanth Bhattacharya said that nationalist forces and the younger generation (Gen Z) had rallied together, pointing to alleged use of foreign funding to fuel anti-national movements. He said that their attempt to recreate unrest similar to Nepal or Bangladesh in West Bengal had been thwarted through their protest.
ABVP & teachers marched to Dharmatala, Kolkata against alleged anti-national violence during NEET protests, demanding action. 🇮🇳 Should political groups counter street protests? #Kolkata #NEET pic.twitter.com/rF7wd0OwQ6
— mryg news (@mrygnews) July 29, 2026
Separately, the RSS has raised concerns about Islamists operating in the state of West Bengal. The organization stated that anti-national voices had grown louder since the BJP came to power in Bengal, alleging that such groups view "jihadis" as their patrons and prioritize opposing the BJP over national interest, going beyond mere appeasement politics.
The group also called on the BJP to continue functioning as a party with strong ideological commitment, alleging that platforms like the 'Desh Bachao Mancha' led by Trinamool leader Purnendu Basu were established to support anti-national activities and should be banned. The unit also urged the state government to eliminate what it called Western and foreign ideologies fostering a culture of lumpens, asserting that the government must instead adopt the vision of Syama Prasad Mookerjee's concept of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation).
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During the 'NEET' rally in Kolkata on July 24, several TV journalists and media persons were brutally attacked by anti-national elements and Islamists. As per the reports, one of the accused, Mohammad Afroz (Youtuber) yelled 'Godi Media, Godi Media' at one of the media persons, after which the crowd chased and pelted objects at the journalist. Even separatist slogans of 'Azadi Azadi' were raised at the rally. The other accused persons who were allegedly attacking the media persons have been identified as Sheikh Nizamuddin, Naheed and Tanweer Alam, claimed to be members of the CPM’s youth wing, DYFI and SFI, respectively.
It is interesting to note that around 16 persons arrested for their involvement in violence during a rally organised by Left students with support from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Esplanade in Kolkata on Friday, protesting the NEET paper leak, were granted bail by a city court on Tuesday, July 28, hardly within one hour after they were remanded to judicial custody till July 30.
A few NEET aspirants were arrested in Kolkata for attacking journalists, vandalising public property, and throwing stones. pic.twitter.com/yuYrrrHTMU
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) July 28, 2026
The development came a day after the BJP-ruled Assam and Bihar governments withdrew all cases filed against protesters who had participated in separate protest programmes in the two states on the same day as part of a nationwide protest over the same issue. The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court granted bail to the 16 accused against a bond of Rs 500 each.
Lawyers appearing for the accused argued in court, citing the Supreme Court’s order directing that no coercive action be taken against protesters other than those with criminal antecedents. The Supreme Court has also asked all states to release children below 18 years who were arrested during the protest programmes.