Guwahati, July 24 (IANS) Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu on Thursday accused Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of attempting to derive political mileage from the alleged NEET paper leak controversy, saying the Congress was exploiting students’ concerns instead of supporting reforms to strengthen the examination system.
Addressing a press conference here, Pegu described the alleged paper leak as a serious and sensitive matter and said the Central Government had acted promptly by initiating legal action against those allegedly involved.
He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the setting up of fast‑track courts to ensure expeditious trial of cases related to examination paper leaks and to bring those responsible to justice at the earliest.
“The Prime Minister has directed the authorities to ensure speedy investigation and strict punishment for the guilty. This reflects the Government’s commitment to protecting the interests of students and preserving the integrity of competitive examinations,” Pegu said.
Targeting Rahul Gandhi, the Assam minister alleged that the Congress leader was trying to use the issue to revive the party’s political fortunes after successive electoral setbacks. “This is a time to address the concerns of students and strengthen institutions, not to indulge in political theatrics. Students’ anxieties should not become a tool for political campaigns,” he remarked.
Pegu maintained that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its NDA allies were ready for a detailed discussion on the issue in Parliament but alleged that the Congress and other INDIA bloc parties had instead chosen to disrupt proceedings.
According to the minister, examination paper leaks are a long‑standing challenge that require systemic reforms, stricter enforcement and bipartisan cooperation rather than political confrontation.
During the press conference, Pegu also referred to alleged incidents of examination paper leaks and recruitment irregularities reported in several states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh.
He further alleged that Rajasthan had witnessed repeated examination paper leak cases during the previous Congress Government led by Ashok Gehlot.
The minister also criticised Rahul Gandhi’s recent protest outside PM Modi’s official residence, terming it inappropriate. He further highlighted the BJP‑led Government’s spending on education, claiming that the education budget had increased substantially over the past decade alongside the expansion of IITs, IIMs, universities and higher education institutions across the country.
–IANS
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