New Delhi: Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday accused the Narendra Modi-led government of treating students demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak as “enemies of the nation”, alleging that peaceful protesters were met with intimidation instead of dialogue.
In a strongly worded statement, Sonia Gandhi said students who had taken to the streets seeking transparency and accountability in the examination system were exercising their democratic rights. She criticised the Centre’s handling of the protests, claiming that instead of addressing their concerns, the government had responded with restrictions and police action.
Referring to the recent student demonstrations in the national capital, the Congress leader alleged that the government was attempting to suppress dissent and discourage young people from raising legitimate questions about examination integrity and the education system.
She also reiterated the Opposition’s demand for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak, stricter action against those responsible, and reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in public examinations.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rejected the allegations, maintaining that the government is committed to protecting the interests of students and has already initiated legal and administrative measures to curb examination-related malpractices. The Centre has highlighted the implementation of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and the establishment of special fast-track courts to ensure swift action in paper leak cases.
The remarks come amid continuing political debate over the alleged examination irregularities, with student groups and opposition parties demanding greater accountability and reforms in the country’s examination system.
