Explained: Why JP Nadda has become the Centre’s face to deal with CJP agaitation
Government sources said JP Nadda’s selection reflected both his stature and his reputation as a consensus-builder capable of handling sensitive situations.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the NDA Parliamentary Party that the government acted swiftly after reports of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak surfaced, with 13 accused arrested so far, and that it “stands with the students” while favouring the strictest punishment for those behind the racket, as the Opposition stepped up attacks over the handling of the controversy.
The NEET-UG 2026 controversy dominated political activity inside Parliament a day after the Cockroach Janta Party’s march towards the complex ended in clashes between protesters and the Delhi Police.
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While PM Modi described paper leaks as a national concern that should not be politicised, Congress leaders accused the government of using force against students instead of addressing their grievances.
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PM Modi calls for action by Centre, states
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said PM Modi raised the NEET controversy during the NDA Parliamentary Party’s ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting.
Rijiju said the Prime Minister told NDA MPs that the government acted immediately after reports of the paper leak emerged, leading to the arrest of 13 accused.
According to Rijiju, PM Modi said conducting the NEET re-examination without delaying the declaration of results was treated as a priority to minimise disruption for students.
“On the NEET exam, the PM said we stand with the students. Those involved in paper leaks must face strict action, in consultation with top lawyers,” Rijiju told reporters after the meeting.
“Paper leaks are a matter of national concern and must not be politicised. Strict action should be taken not only by the Centre but also by states wherever paper leaks occur,” he added.
PM Modi also appealed to senior lawyers to support efforts to secure the strictest possible punishment for those involved in paper leak rackets so that future offences are effectively deterred.
He said paper leaks were not confined to any one state or the Centre and called on all governments and political parties to work together to tackle the problem.
The remarks came amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demands for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down.
Priyanka Gandhi attacks police action
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described the police action against protesters as “absolutely disgusting” and said students had a genuine grievance.
She said families often take loans and make considerable sacrifices to pay for coaching and education in the hope of securing a better future for their children.
“They face immense hardships because they want a bright future. They see a possibility for that future, and you are just destroying it,” she said.
Priyanka Gandhi said examination irregularities were a deep-rooted problem that had persisted for years.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi also backed the party’s position. Asked about Monday’s police action, she said the Congress had already spoken on the matter.
Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed support for the protesters and said an agitated student community must be taken seriously by the government.
Kharge skips birthday celebration
Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said he would not celebrate his birthday on Tuesday because of the alleged police action against students.
Kharge accused the government of responding to demands for justice with batons and tear gas.
“This is not how a ‘Mother of Democracy’ treats its young children,” he said in a post on X.
He demanded a full discussion in Parliament and called for Pradhan’s resignation on grounds of moral and political responsibility.
Kharge also sought a student-centred examination system with secure digital question banks and randomised papers.
He called for statutory safeguards requiring re-examinations and compensation whenever serious examination irregularities occur.
“Our children deserve justice, not repression,” he said.
INDIA bloc discusses floor strategy
Leaders of the INDIA bloc met at Parliament House on Tuesday to coordinate their approach during the Monsoon Session.
The meeting included Rahul Gandhi and representatives of allied parties, including the Samajwadi Party, Left parties and Shiv Sena (UBT).
Opposition leaders also held discussions with the Lok Sabha Speaker as they prepared to press for a debate on the NEET controversy and Monday’s police action.
The Opposition has stepped up its criticism since the clashes. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said July 20 should be observed as “Coward Day”, while Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra shared an image of the police-protester confrontation with a critical comment on the state of democracy.
Wangchuk remains in hospital
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk remained under treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, where a multidisciplinary team was monitoring his condition.
According to the hospital bulletin cited by ANI, his vital parameters were stable, though his blood sugar remained low and his serum potassium level was recorded at 3.2 mEq/L.
The hospital said Wangchuk was receiving oral rehydration therapy and potassium supplements but continued to decline intravenous fluids and glucose despite medical advice.
He was taken to the hospital by the Delhi Police on July 18 while observing a hunger strike over the NEET controversy.
Sonam Wangchuk’s health stable but doctors flag dehydration, low blood sugar amid hunger strike
PM Modi discusses FTAs, farmers’ interests
Rijiju said the NDA meeting also discussed India’s recent Free Trade Agreements and their impact on farmers.
PM Modi said India’s recent Free Trade Agreements were in the interest of both farmers and the country and assured NDA members that farmers’ welfare would not be compromised in any trade agreement, Rijiju said.
Rijiju said the Prime Minister also congratulated Skyroot Aerospace on the successful launch of Vikram-1 and highlighted the achievements of India’s youth, saying the government’s time, energy and focus should remain centred on creating opportunities for young people.
The meeting also welcomed newly elected Rajya Sabha members, including Nitin Nabin.
Rijiju also appealed to the Opposition to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament during the Monsoon Session, saying political differences should not come in the way of legislative business and issues concerning the country’s future.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament began on Monday and is scheduled to continue until August 13.
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