A BJP leader stirred controversy by claiming that puncture repairmen and locksmiths outnumbered students at a Jantar Mantar protest against examination paper leaks last month. Ramesh Bidhuri made the remark, which drew criticism for belittling the protest. In a separate attack, another BJP leader, Mr. Rao, accused the Congress of corruption during the UPA-I and UPA-II governments. Rao claimed that during those periods, there was a widespread perception that decision-making authority rested with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, and that corruption allegations were also prevalent. Both remarks are part of the BJP's broader criticism of the Opposition over recent protests and political issues.