Rahul Gandhi Focused on Politics, Not Students’ Interests: Nadda

NEW DELHI, Jul 22: Union Minister and BJP national president J.P. Nadda on Wednesday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the NEET paper leak controversy, alleging that the Leader of the Opposition was attempting to derive political advantage from an issue affecting students. He appealed to opposition parties to participate in a comprehensive discussion in Parliament aimed at identifying long-term solutions to recurring examination paper leak cases.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in the national capital, Nadda said the Narendra Modi-led NDA government considers the integrity of public examinations a matter of utmost importance and is fully committed to addressing concerns surrounding paper leaks through institutional reforms and transparent investigations.

He asserted that the Centre is prepared to hold an extensive debate in Parliament on the issue, emphasising that discussions should focus on strengthening the examination system rather than engaging in political confrontation.

According to the Union minister, the ongoing investigation into the alleged paper leak will address every relevant aspect of the controversy. He said the government would place all facts before Parliament and the public once the inquiry progresses, ensuring accountability and transparency in the process.

Highlighting what he described as the need for a broader perspective, Nadda referred to several instances of examination paper leaks that have occurred in states governed by the Congress and its allies. He questioned Rahul Gandhi for raising concerns only about selected incidents while remaining silent on similar cases elsewhere.

The BJP leader claimed that such selective criticism undermines genuine efforts to reform the examination system. He alleged that the Congress leadership was using student grievances as a political issue instead of contributing constructively towards resolving the larger challenge of preventing future paper leaks.

Nadda appealed to all political parties to rise above partisan differences and work together on creating a robust mechanism that ensures fair and transparent examinations across the country. He stressed that repeated incidents of question paper leaks require structural reforms, stronger enforcement and coordinated action involving both the Centre and the states.

His remarks came shortly after Rahul Gandhi addressed the media, accusing the Union government of weakening India’s education system and failing to safeguard the interests of students.

The Congress leader reiterated the demands raised by protesting students, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, strict action against those allegedly responsible for assaulting students during demonstrations, and accountability for those involved in handling the issue. Gandhi also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students for the alleged lapses that led to the controversy.

The exchange between the BJP and the Congress comes amid continuing political debate over examination reforms and the credibility of competitive recruitment and entrance tests. With Parliament in session, the issue is expected to remain a key point of discussion as both the government and the Opposition seek to present their respective positions on ensuring transparency and restoring public confidence in the examination process.