NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the Centre of failing to address concerns over the NEET paper leak controversy, demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and calling for a stronger examination system to prevent future leaks. Rahul said the Congress would continue its fight for students affected by repeated paper leak allegations across the country.
"We won't stop until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns and a strong, secure system is put in place to stop paper leaks in the country. This fight is for every student whose future this failed government has stolen," Rahul Gandhi said through a post on X. Rahul alleged that students across the country had been forced to protest over repeated exam paper leaks and accused the government of failing to take responsibility for the issue. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "When Modi Ji was making reels of handing out sweets in Italy – the youth of India, tormented by paper leaks, were taking to the streets demanding justice."
The Congress MP further claimed that the NEET paper leak had "ruined the futures of lakhs of students" and alleged that several students had lost their lives. He also criticised the centre for not removing Dharmendra Pradhan and accused BJP-ruled states of using force against protesters demanding action over the issue. "A government that answers students' questions with lathis doesn't run on accountability – it runs on fear," Rahul said, adding that the opposition would continue its campaign over examination reforms and accountability.
Congress workers on Thursday marched towards the BJP state headquarters to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET UG examination. Police stopped the protesters at barricades, used water cannons to disperse the crowd and detained several demonstrators during the protest. The NEET-UG examination for admission to undergraduate medical courses, conducted on May 3, was cancelled two days later following allegations of a paper leak. The Centre subsequently ordered a comprehensive CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the exam.
Political Reactions and Demands
Rahul Gandhi's remarks have intensified the political battle over the NEET paper leak issue. He emphasised that the Congress party will persist in its demand for accountability until the education minister steps down. The opposition leader also highlighted the plight of students who have been protesting across the country, alleging that the government has failed to protect their interests.
Government Response and Investigation
The central government has responded by ordering a CBI probe into the NEET paper leak allegations. However, opposition parties have criticised this move as insufficient, demanding immediate action against those responsible for the leak. The controversy has led to widespread protests by students and political groups, with many calling for systemic reforms in the examination process.
Congress workers' protest march to the BJP headquarters was met with police force, including water cannons and detentions. This has further escalated tensions, with Rahul Gandhi accusing the government of using authoritarian tactics to suppress dissent. The NEET UG exam cancellation has affected thousands of medical aspirants, and the uncertainty over the re-examination date has added to their distress.
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