Union Minister J.P. Nadda urged Parliament to hold a comprehensive debate on examination paper leaks, questioned Rahul Gandhi’s silence on Congress-ruled states, highlighted talks with CJP representatives, and appealed to Sonam Wangchuk to join dialogue for resolving key national concerns.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Wednesday strongly defended the Centre’s approach to the issue of examination paper leaks, asserting that the government remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders while accusing the Opposition, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, of selectively targeting BJP-ruled states for political gains.
Addressing a press conference, Nadda emphasized that the examination paper leak issue is a serious national concern that deserves comprehensive discussion rather than political confrontation. He reiterated that the Narendra Modi-led government is prepared to hold detailed deliberations in Parliament and work towards formulating a long-term policy to prevent such incidents in the future.
Nadda informed reporters that the Centre had recently held discussions with representatives of the protesting CJP in what he described as a cordial and constructive atmosphere. According to him, the government patiently listened to the concerns raised by the delegation and requested them to submit their demands in writing for further consideration.
“The discussion took place in a very cordial atmosphere. We listened to their views very calmly. I told them it would be better if they submitted their points in writing, and they have done so. We are ready for discussions whenever they ask,” Nadda said, while clarifying that no fresh meeting with the representatives had taken place on Wednesday.
The Union Minister also spoke about his recent visit to activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital after being shifted from Safdarjung Hospital. Wangchuk has been on a prolonged hunger strike over his demands related to Ladakh.
Nadda said he visited the activist to enquire about his health and appealed to him to end his fast in the interest of constructive engagement.
“We went to inquire about his well-being. Since he was in the ICU, the environment was very restricted. We requested him to break his fast, join the mainstream and guide the children in the right direction. Our government is ready to discuss all issues and address every concern,” he said.
He further revealed that Wangchuk had written him an open letter and assured that the government would respond to it before taking the dialogue process forward.
Reiterating the government’s willingness to engage on the examination paper leak issue, Nadda said Parliament remains the most suitable platform for evolving a comprehensive national policy. He stated that the Centre is ready for discussions of any duration, whether a short debate or an extended discussion lasting 12 to 18 hours, if required by the Opposition.
He stressed that every aspect of examination reforms should be examined thoroughly so that an effective and lasting solution can emerge.
“Children are the future of the country, and it is the responsibility of both the government and the Opposition to safeguard that future,” Nadda said, urging all political parties to rise above partisan politics.
Launching a counterattack on the Opposition, Nadda questioned Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Centre over examination paper leaks while remaining silent on similar incidents in Congress-ruled and Opposition-governed states.
He cited instances of alleged examination irregularities in Jammu and Kashmir under the Congress-National Conference government, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab, Kerala and Karnataka, arguing that the issue is not confined to BJP-ruled states.
“There is a long list of paper leaks under Congress and Congress-supported governments. Why is Rahul Gandhi selective? Why has he not spoken about UPA and UPA-supported governments?” Nadda asked.
He alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s objective was not to protect students’ interests or improve the education system but to derive political mileage from an issue affecting millions of young aspirants.
According to Nadda, students’ concerns over examination integrity are genuine and should not become tools for political campaigns.
“The issue raised by students, particularly paper leaks, is genuine. My first appeal is that we should not politicise it or seek political advantage from it. This is a serious issue that deserves an in-depth discussion,” he said.
| Also Read: Delhi HC Orders CCTV Preservation in NEET Protest Case |
The BJP leader reaffirmed that the Modi government remains committed to addressing the problem through institutional reforms and parliamentary consensus. He urged the Opposition to participate constructively in discussions instead of engaging in political accusations.
Nadda concluded by saying that the government welcomes every opportunity for debate in Parliament, where both the Opposition and the government can present their views and collectively develop a durable framework to curb examination paper leaks and strengthen the credibility of India’s education system.
| Also Read: Opposition MPs Protest in Black Over NEET Paper Leak |
The remarks come amid continuing political exchanges over examination paper leaks and growing demands from various stakeholders for stronger safeguards to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in the country’s competitive examination process.
