Rival demonstrations by the Opposition and the NDA unfolded inside Parliament even as protests continued on Delhi’s streets and the political fight over exam paper leaks intensified.
Opposition MPs, joined by Sonia Gandhi, protest inside Parliament demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's dismissal over the paper leak controversy. | ANI
The paper leak row echoed inside Parliament on Thursday as Opposition MPs gathered near Makar Dwar to demand the dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi joined the demonstration, reinforcing the Opposition’s demand for accountability amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
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At the same time, MPs from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) held a counter-protest against Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, who was suspended from the House over objectionable remarks directed at two women MPs.
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The protests came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first public remarks on the issue, announcing that fast-track courts would be established to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said safeguarding the future of students was the government’s priority.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks… Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” PM Modi wrote.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi dismissed the Prime Minister’s response and accused the Centre of failing to protect India’s education system.
In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the government had allowed the education system to deteriorate and shielded those responsible for its failures.
He reiterated the Opposition’s demand that Dharmendra Pradhan be removed from the Union Cabinet and apologise to students affected by the controversy.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also criticised the Prime Minister, alleging that he had chosen social media over addressing Parliament directly.
In a post on X, Ramesh said Modi should have participated in a debate inside Parliament instead of responding through social media, and claimed the government’s post reflected growing pressure over the issue.
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