NEET Paper Leak Issue Beyond Politics, Concerns Nation’s Future: Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar

Bengaluru, July 2026 : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday expressed support for students protesting over the alleged NEET question paper leak controversy, asserting that the issue goes beyond political differences and directly impacts the future of millions of young Indians.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the country was facing a crucial moment as repeated allegations of examination paper leaks had shaken the confidence of students and their families. He stressed that ensuring the integrity of competitive examinations was the responsibility of every government and should not become a matter of political confrontation.

“The country is at a crossroads today. Students and young people are anxious and uncertain because of repeated paper leak allegations. This is not merely a political issue; it concerns the future of our youth,” he said.

The Chief Minister observed that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently addressed the controversy, such intervention should have come much earlier. According to him, a prompt response from the country’s leadership could have helped reassure students and prevent the issue from escalating.

Referring to reports of multiple examination paper leaks across the country, Shivakumar claimed that more than 100 such incidents had occurred in recent years, raising serious concerns about the credibility of the examination system.

He said India’s students have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent on the global stage and have earned recognition as ambassadors of the country’s intellectual strength. Therefore, he argued, governments at both the Centre and the states have a responsibility to provide a transparent, fair and reliable examination system while ensuring access to quality education.

Shivakumar also weighed in on the Opposition’s demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Without directly calling for the Minister’s removal, he said accountability should be fixed wherever responsibility lies.

“There should be no attempt to protect anyone. Accountability must prevail, and all those responsible should face the consequences,” he remarked.

Defending the students’ right to protest, the Chief Minister said peaceful demonstrations are an essential part of a democratic society. He expressed concern over reports of police action against protesters in the national capital, alleging that students had been subjected to baton charges while exercising their democratic rights.

He further claimed that videos showing the alleged police action had surfaced despite attempts to prevent such visuals from reaching the public. According to him, the reported use of force against students had raised serious questions about the handling of the protests.

Shivakumar also criticised sections of the media, questioning why the demonstrations and the alleged police excesses had not received broader coverage. He suggested that the concerns of students deserved greater public attention given the nationwide significance of the issue.

Responding to questions about the alleged attack on Karnataka BJP MLA B.P. Harish near the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office on Wednesday, Shivakumar said he did not support any form of violence. However, he urged observers to consider the incident in a wider context.

The Chief Minister said the state’s Home Minister would take appropriate action in accordance with the law. At the same time, he remarked that the BJP should also reflect on previous incidents involving political confrontations in which weapons were allegedly recovered.

Reiterating his support for students, Shivakumar maintained that restoring confidence in the country’s examination system was essential and called for transparent investigations and accountability to safeguard the interests of India’s youth.