New Delhi, July 23: The political confrontation over examination paper leaks intensified on Thursday after Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of damaging the country’s education system, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases.
The exchange came after Modi said the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks, describing the move as part of broader efforts to safeguard the interests and future of students.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement on X, Gandhi alleged that the Centre had “allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction” of the education system and accused the government of protecting those responsible.
“You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system, and protected every person responsible for it,” Gandhi said.
The Congress leader also reiterated the demands raised during the ongoing agitation over examination paper leaks. He said students were seeking the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students and action against those accused of assaulting protesters.
Gandhi’s remarks referred to the alleged police action during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led march to Parliament on July 20, where protesters had alleged police brutality.
Earlier in the day, Modi said the welfare and future of the country’s youth remained the government’s highest priority. Announcing the decision to establish fast-track courts, he said authorities had been directed to take all necessary steps to ensure speedy implementation.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth. We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that the initiative formed part of a series of measures aimed at protecting students’ interests and warned that those attempting to harm the future of young people would face strict action.
“Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” Modi said.
A day earlier, Gandhi had also criticised the government’s handling of the education system during a press conference, alleging that it had been “rigged” under the current dispensation. Defending the students’ protests, he said they were agitating over legitimate concerns but alleged that the government was using force to suppress them.
The Congress leader further intensified his criticism of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing him as “corrupt and incompetent” and reiterating his demand that the minister resign from office.
The latest exchange follows Tuesday’s protest near the Prime Minister’s residence, where Gandhi, senior Congress leaders and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav staged a sit-in over the alleged lathi charge on anti-NEET paper leak protesters before being briefly detained by police.
The statements from both the government and the Opposition underscore the growing political contest over examination paper leaks, with the Centre emphasising legal action through fast-track courts while the Opposition continues to question the government’s handling of the education system and the student protests.
