Congress Targets PM After Midnight Video Message
The political confrontation over the alleged NEET paper leak intensified on Friday, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address Parliament directly instead of making announcements through video messages outside the House.
Kharge’s remarks came a day after the Prime Minister announced that the government would introduce a new Bill during the Monsoon Session to strengthen legal action against examination paper leaks.
Kharge Seeks Education Minister’s Dismissal
Calling for immediate accountability, Kharge urged the Prime Minister to remove Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before any parliamentary discussion takes place.
In a post on X, Kharge said, “Before coming to Parliament today, please dismiss Dharmendra Pradhan. First, apologise to the students and take strict action against those who ordered the use of batons and pellet guns to suppress the students’ voices. Then we are ready for a detailed discussion on the education system.”
He further argued that Parliament, not social media or public broadcasts, was the appropriate forum for the Prime Minister to present the government’s position.
“When Parliament is in session, the Prime Minister is required to make a statement on the floor of the House. He should not be delivering a one-sided ‘Mann Ki Baat’ outside Parliament,” Kharge added.
Rahul Gandhi Also Questions PM’s Response
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised the Prime Minister’s video message, accusing him of avoiding the Opposition’s central demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Rahul Gandhi said the Prime Minister had failed to answer key questions raised by students and alleged that the video did not address the issue of ministerial accountability.
PM Announces New Law Against Paper Leaks
In his video message released on Thursday night, Prime Minister Modi said the Union Cabinet would deliberate on the paper leak issue before finalising legislative proposals.
He announced that a Bill providing stronger legal provisions against examination paper leaks would be introduced in Parliament during the coming week, with the government aiming to secure its passage at the earliest.
The Prime Minister said paper leak incidents had deeply affected lakhs of students and their families, adding that the government had already initiated action against those allegedly involved.
He said the accused had been arrested and jailed, while the government ensured that students did not lose an academic year by conducting a fresh examination for nearly 22 lakh candidates.
Political Battle Intensifies Over Examination Reforms
The latest exchange has further escalated the political battle over the examination controversy.
While the Centre says it is moving towards tougher legislation and stricter punishment through Parliament, the Congress has maintained that accountability must begin with the removal of the Education Minister, an apology to students and a statement from the Prime Minister inside Parliament before any further discussion takes place.
