Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday launched a strong political counterattack against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, dismissing his Lok Sabha speech as lacking substance and accusing the Congress leader of repeatedly making allegations without presenting constructive alternatives.
Responding to Gandhi’s criticism of the Centre during the debate on examination reforms in Parliament, Fadnavis said he did not even listen to the speech because he believed it offered little value.
“I didn’t actually listen to Rahul Gandhi’s speech because I don’t have the time to listen to him. There is never any real substance in his speeches. When any opposition leader speaks, they certainly make allegations. If there is something wrong, they should definitely speak up and offer comments,” Fadnavis said.
‘No Solutions for the Youth’
The Maharashtra Chief Minister further accused Gandhi of failing to provide a roadmap for addressing issues affecting young people, arguing that criticism alone would not benefit the country’s future.“He has neither given any solution nor offered any proposal for the welfare of the youth. Simply spouting falsehoods and making allegations all day long won’t yield anything for the nation’s youth,” he said.
Political Clash Over Student Protests
Fadnavis’ remarks came after Rahul Gandhi used his Lok Sabha speech to support students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak, describing the demonstrations as a peaceful movement seeking justice. Gandhi also criticised the Centre’s handling of the protests and questioned the police response during demonstrations linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) agitation.
The Congress leader further alleged that force had been used against protesting students and held the Union government accountable for the police action.
Chief Minister Defends Examination Reforms
Backing the Centre’s legislative push, Fadnavis expressed confidence that the newly passed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 would significantly strengthen the integrity of public examinations.“This new system will usher in a highly secure examination process and serve the welfare of our youth,” he said.
The Lok Sabha earlier passed the amendment Bill introducing tougher provisions against paper leaks and organised examination fraud, including enhanced prison terms, steeper financial penalties and faster investigation mechanisms.
The exchange between Rahul Gandhi and Devendra Fadnavis adds to the growing political confrontation over the government’s handling of examination reforms and the nationwide protests that followed the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.
