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New Delhi, 20-06-2024: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a sharp jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst growing protests over alleged irregularities in the UGC-NET exam. He accused the BJP and its parent organization of capturing the country’s education system, claiming that unless this grip is loosened, issues like paper leaks will persist. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Gandhi described the paper leaks as a “national and educational crisis,” attributing them to the BJP’s control over educational institutions. He argued that vice-chancellors are appointed based on their allegiance to a particular ideology rather than merit, leading to the destruction of the education system.

Gandhi emphasized that paper leaks are “anti-national activities” that severely harm the youth, and those responsible must be held accountable. He asserted that the BJP and its affiliates have dismantled the independent and objective nature of the education system, leading to widespread corruption and inequity. During his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi heard from numerous students about the endemic nature of paper leaks in India, which unfairly advantage those willing to cheat while disadvantaging hardworking and honest students.

Recalling the notorious Vyapam scam, which involved multiple exams conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board, Gandhi accused the Modi government of perpetuating similar scams at a national level. He noted that these scams have been replicated in BJP-ruled states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and have now spread to national exams like NEET and NET. Gandhi declared that the Modi government’s credibility has hit rock bottom due to these continuous scandals.

Gandhi expressed concern over the immense pressure on students and the high unemployment rates, which leave young people with few opportunities. He highlighted that regardless of one’s qualifications, such as being an IIT graduate or aspiring to join the Army, the youth in India face significant obstacles due to systemic corruption and mismanagement. He assured students that the Congress party would raise the NEET scam issue in Parliament, promising that the government would be held accountable.

He emphasized that public fear of Prime Minister Modi is waning, and with a stronger opposition, the government would have to reconsider its actions regarding students. Meanwhile, protests have erupted nationwide following the cancellation of UGC-NET exams, with opposition parties accusing the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Modi government of jeopardizing students’ futures.

In Delhi, numerous students protesting outside the Ministry of Education and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s residence were detained. Protesters, including members of various political student organizations, demanded Pradhan’s resignation and a thorough investigation into the matter. The education ministry announced the cancellation of the exam a day after it was held, citing indications that its integrity was compromised. A fresh examination will be scheduled, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been tasked with investigating the irregularities.

Protesters accused the Delhi Police of brutality, alleging that even female students were manhandled. The Democratic Students’ Front (DSF) condemned the police action, emphasizing that instead of addressing the students’ concerns and holding the NTA accountable, the police resorted to violence and detentions. Opposition leaders have united in criticizing the government, with Rahul Gandhi alleging that educational institutions have been compromised by the BJP and its affiliates.

Gandhi sarcastically remarked that while Modi is credited with stopping international conflicts, he is either unable or unwilling to stop exam paper leaks. He further claimed that the prime minister is psychologically and functionally compromised, focusing more on political maneuvers than addressing critical issues like the NEET scandal.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saket Gokhale accused the government of allowing the examination process to collapse, pointing to rampant paper leaks and irregularities. He criticized the government for destroying the lives and futures of students without taking responsibility. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) echoed these sentiments, accusing the BJP government of making a mockery of the education system with repeated examination discrepancies.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha called for the cancellation of the NEET exam, arguing that there is ample evidence of its compromise. He condemned the NTA as fraudulent and demanded immediate action to restore credibility and fairness in the examination process. As the protests continue, the call for accountability and systemic reform grows louder, highlighting a critical juncture for India’s education system and governance.