Opposition Rejects PM Modi’s Assurances on Paper Leaks, Demands Education Minister’s Resignation

New Delhi, July 2026 : Opposition parties on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance of introducing a stringent legal framework to curb examination paper leaks, maintaining that genuine accountability can only be established if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns from office.

The Prime Minister had earlier announced that the government would introduce stricter measures to tackle paper leak cases, including the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift prosecution and punishment of those found guilty. The announcement came amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and growing demands for reforms in the examination system.

However, Opposition leaders argued that legislative promises alone would not address public concerns unless political accountability was also fixed.

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P. Chidambaram questioned the practicality of the government’s proposal to establish fast-track courts. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, he said merely announcing new courts would not solve the problem if there were not enough judges and supporting staff to make them functional.

“What is the use of fast-track courts if there are no judges to run them?” Chidambaram asked. He pointed out that India already has several fast-track courts across different sectors but continues to face a shortage of judges. According to him, a fast-track court is not merely a building but requires judges, court staff and adequate infrastructure to function effectively.

Congress MP Manoj Kumar also criticised the Prime Minister’s statement, saying that while the government was speaking about justice for students, it had failed to address the central issue of ministerial accountability.

“If the Prime Minister is serious about justice, he should clearly state when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will resign because he is responsible for the functioning of the education system,” Kumar said. He also questioned whether the proposed legal measures would apply equally to those holding positions of responsibility.

Congress MP Jebi Mather echoed similar sentiments, asserting that no assurance or future legislation would satisfy protesting students unless the Education Minister stepped down.

Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad also questioned why the BJP-led NDA government had not sought Pradhan’s resignation despite the controversy. He maintained that the Prime Minister should first ensure political accountability before attempting to reassure students through public statements.

Congress MP Mallu Ravi said the demands raised by students and Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, centred on one issue — the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

“The Prime Minister is choosing to avoid the main question. Instead of addressing the demand for accountability, he is speaking about other issues,” Ravi remarked.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also criticised the government’s response, alleging that the Prime Minister’s message relied on “flowery speeches” rather than concrete action to address the concerns of students and their families.

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad took a swipe at the Prime Minister’s assurances, comparing them to earlier promises made by the BJP government. Referring to previous commitments such as bringing back black money and depositing ₹15 lakh into citizens’ bank accounts, Azad said he viewed the latest announcement with similar scepticism.

“If action has to be taken, it should have been taken when the alleged paper leak occurred. Students deserve accountability, not promises,” he said.

His party colleague, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy, also reiterated the Opposition’s demand, stating that the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan remained essential to restoring public confidence in the examination system.

In contrast, the BJP defended the Prime Minister’s announcement and maintained that the government had acted decisively to strengthen examination security.

BJP MP Madan Rathore welcomed the proposed legislation, saying the Centre had already taken several steps to improve the integrity of competitive examinations. He said the proposed law, once approved by the Cabinet and Parliament, would introduce a stronger legal framework aimed at preventing paper leaks and ensuring examinations are conducted with the same level of credibility and transparency associated with institutions like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

The differing reactions underscore the widening political divide over the handling of the alleged NEET paper leak, with the Opposition continuing to press for ministerial accountability while the government focuses on legal and institutional reforms to prevent future examination irregularities.