Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over the NEET paper leak controversy, accusing it of failing the country’s youth and suppressing voices demanding accountability.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi alleged that while the Prime Minister was “making reels and handing out toffees in Italy,” students affected by repeated examination paper leaks were protesting on the streets seeking justice.
“India’s youth — distressed by paper leaks — were out on the streets demanding justice,” Gandhi wrote, referring to the controversy surrounding the NEET examination paper leak that triggered nationwide outrage and protests by students and opposition parties.
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed that the NEET paper leak had “destroyed the future of lakhs of students” and alleged that “some children even lost their lives” amid the stress and uncertainty caused by the controversy.
Targeting the Centre over its handling of the issue, Gandhi said Prime Minister Modi had “neither taken responsibility, nor removed Dharmendra Pradhan, nor said a single word.” He also accused BJP-ruled state governments of using force against protesters.
“Now, when students, NSUI and INC workers are raising their voices for justice, BJP-led state governments are responding with baton charges,” he said.
The Congress leader further alleged that governments which answer students’ questions with “lathis” are driven “not by accountability, but by fear.”
“But we are not going to be intimidated,” Gandhi asserted, adding that the Congress would continue its agitation until the Union Education Minister resigns and a “strong and secure system” is established to prevent paper leaks in the country.
“We will not stop until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns and a strong, secure system is put in place to prevent paper leaks in the country,” Gandhi said.
The NEET-UG examination controversy had sparked massive political uproar after allegations of question paper leaks and irregularities emerged from several states. The issue led to protests by students and opposition parties, with the Congress repeatedly demanding accountability from the Centre and action against those responsible.
The BJP, however, has accused the Congress of politicising the issue, while the Centre has maintained that steps are being taken to strengthen examination systems and ensure transparency in recruitment and entrance examinations across the country.