New Delhi, July 21: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday backed students protesting at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak issue, demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and accused the Centre of failing to address concerns surrounding examination integrity and accountability.
Students gathered at Jantar Mantar seeking accountability over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and called for the Education Minister to step down. Addressing the issue, Priyanka Gandhi alleged that the government was suppressing the voices of students instead of responding to their concerns.
She criticised the Centre’s handling of the protests, alleging that it had adopted an anti-youth approach and failed to engage with students peacefully. She said students deserved to be heard and argued that it was the responsibility of the Education Minister to accept accountability for the controversy.
Referring to ministerial accountability, Priyanka Gandhi said there had been instances in the past where ministers resigned after major incidents, adding that responsibility should be accepted and the examination system should be corrected.
The Congress leader described the treatment of protesting students as unacceptable and said the issue reflected broader challenges faced by young people pursuing higher education. She stated that students and their families invest significant financial resources and effort in preparing for competitive examinations, often depending on loans and coaching institutions with the expectation of securing better opportunities.
According to Priyanka Gandhi, repeated examination irregularities undermine the aspirations of students and create uncertainty about their future. She maintained that the issue has persisted for several years and requires systemic corrective measures.
She also alleged that despite recurring incidents of examination paper leaks, effective action has not been taken against those responsible. Referring to earlier incidents during her political work in Uttar Pradesh, she claimed that investigations often resulted only in action against lower-level officials while those allegedly responsible for the larger conspiracy escaped accountability.
Priyanka Gandhi further said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has consistently raised concerns over examination paper leaks and maintained that the issue has remained unresolved despite repeated public attention.
The protest at Jantar Mantar focused on demands for accountability in the alleged NEET paper leak case and calls for reforms to strengthen the examination system. The students also sought action against those allegedly responsible for the reported irregularities.
The remarks come amid continuing political debate over examination integrity and demands from opposition leaders for greater accountability in handling alleged paper leak cases.
