Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over alleged examination paper leaks and the handling of student protests. He described Modi as the “most youth-hostile Prime Minister” and alleged that students “seeking justice are met with batons instead of answers.”
Gandhi’s remarks come amid ongoing protests across parts of the country, with students and youth groups demanding accountability and reforms following repeated allegations of exam irregularities. He has also previously stated that such issues have affected a large number of students and called for systemic changes in the education sector.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav backed the student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and joined the Opposition's demonstration in Parliament carrying placards reading "NEET hai ya CHEAT hai." She said the party stood with students and demanded accountability from the Centre.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot backed the protests over the alleged exam paper leaks, saying the issue reflects a deeper crisis affecting India's youth. He linked repeated paper leaks with rising unemployment and demanded accountability from the government.
Other opposition leaders have also expressed concern over the issue. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the Centre over recurring paper leaks, alleging that repeated incidents point to systemic failures and warning that such problems could persist without structural reforms.
Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief and MP Chandrashekhar Azad strongly backed the student protests over the alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks, accusing the Centre of failing India's youth. He demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and joined protesters at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with students.
During the Parliament march, Azad condemned the police action against demonstrators and confronted officers at the protest site. He warned that suppressing peaceful protesters would only strengthen the movement, saying students were fighting for their future and deserved justice rather than force.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has, in earlier statements on exam-related controversies, called for transparency and accountability in the examination process, emphasising the need to protect students’ futures and restore trust in institutions.
The issue of exam leaks has become a broader political concern, with opposition parties highlighting its impact on students and job aspirants, while also questioning the handling of protests in some areas.
The central government has maintained that investigations are underway into reported irregularities and has reiterated its commitment to ensuring fairness and integrity in examinations.
Sources: ANI
