New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday stepped up his attack on the Centre over the NEET paper leak controversy, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accusing the government of ignoring the key demand of protesting students.
In a post on social media, Gandhi said students across the country were demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and accused the Prime Minister of avoiding the issue through his late night video message on examination reforms.
The Congress leader said the government should not underestimate students by sidestepping their concerns. He reiterated the opposition’s demands, calling for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, an apology to students affected by the controversy and action against those accused of assaulting protesters during demonstrations.
His remarks came after Prime Minister Modi announced that the Union Cabinet would discuss tougher measures to curb paper leaks and finalise a stronger legal framework during Friday’s meeting. The Prime Minister also said the government would introduce a Bill in Parliament next week providing stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.
According to PM Modi, the proposed legislation will be taken up during the second week of the Monsoon Session, with the government aiming for its early passage. He also said the issue had caused immense hardship for lakhs of students and their families, making stronger safeguards essential.
The political exchange comes as protests over the NEET paper leak continue in the national capital. Students from different parts of the country, along with members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have been holding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and other locations, demanding accountability for repeated examination leaks and comprehensive reforms to the examination system.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26 day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Centre following discussions with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Wangchuk said the government had agreed to address issues related to examination reforms and accountability, bringing his prolonged protest to a close.
