‘We were scared of Modi, Shah’: Cong’s Aiyar says protesting students ‘fearless’

NEW DELHI: Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar on Friday joined the protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak and welcomed the dialogue between the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the Union government, expressing hope that the talks would lead to a positive outcome.Calling the agitation a significant moment, Aiyar said, “This is a historic moment. We too are here. We thought that we should make ourselves a part of this history.”His remarks came as representatives of the CJP and the Union government began formal discussions at the Constitution Club in Delhi over the paper leak controversy.The meeting follows activist Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to end his 26-day hunger strike after the Centre agreed to hold talks at a neutral venue.Welcoming the negotiations, Aiyar said, “I am happy that dialogues are happening. I hope there will be a positive result, otherwise the demonstration will continue.”His wife, Suneet Aiyar, also backed the talks while condemning the police action against protesting students.“Good to talk. Issues can be resolved through dialogues, not stones or lathis,” she said.‘We used to be scared’Speaking to ANI later, the Congress leader said, “I am here to learn. The students are teaching us to be fearless. We used to be scared of Modi and Shah.”“We saw Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. They are still in jail, and the government has failed to prove the case before the court. I tried to raise my voice then, but I was scared. You are fearless, and the country should be fearless,” he added.The Centre and the CJP are holding discussions on the alleged NEET paper leak and related demands, including action against those responsible and broader reforms to examination processes. The outcome of the meeting is awaited.