Ramdas Athawale and Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: BJP on Sunday reacted to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s demand for the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case.The party said that as Leader of Opposition he had the right to make suggestions and that the government takes inputs from all sides to ensure such incidents do not happen again.The BJP’s response came amid the widening NEET paper leak probe in which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made multiple arrests, including alleged masterminds linked to the leak. Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday granted 10-day CBI custody of accused Manisha Waghmare and PV Kulkarni for further interrogation in the case.Speaking to reporters, Union minister Ramdas Athawale said the Centre was committed to dismantling the paper leak network and ensuring such incidents do not happen again.”We have decided to completely dismantle this racket. Dharmendra Pradhan has also said the incident is unacceptable and it affects students. Three students have also died by suicide. Both the state and central governments are serious and such paper leaks must not happen again,” Athawale said. “Rahul Gandhi keeps making allegations and has demanded the Education Minister’s resignation, but that is part of politics. As Opposition Leader, he has the right to give suggestions. In a democracy, we take inputs from all sides. The government will ensure such incidents do not recur,” he added.Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, BJP Telangana president N Ramchander Rao said that the Congress was attempting to politicise the issue despite the government taking swift action after the leak surfaced.Also Read | ‘Why haven’t you sacked education minister?’ Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi over NEET-UG paper leak”In NEET case CBI has taken up the investigation, arresting the kingpins and several other accused. This is undoubtedly a matter of concern for the future of students appearing for the NEET examination. The government acted once the leakage was revealed, ensuring the culprits were brought to justice,” Rao said. “Instead of focusing on improving the system and advising the NTA on prevention, the Congress party is unnecessarily misleading students, who have already suffered. The Congress party should not politicise this issue, given that the history of such leakages began during its time. Congress has no moral right to speak on this subject,” he added.Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also defended the government, saying strict action would be taken against all those found guilty.”When the investigation is underway, they should also look into it. But they are in the opposition, so they will say their own things. However, the government is sensitive. The investigation process is moving forward rapidly. And if anyone is found guilty, they will not be spared,” Meghwal said. The BJP’s response came after Rahul Gandhi intensified his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi questioned why Dharmendra Pradhan had not been removed from office despite repeated controversies linked to examination leaks.”NEET 2024: The paper was leaked. The exam wasn’t cancelled. The minister didn’t resign. The CBI launched an investigation. A committee was formed. NEET 2026: The paper was leaked. The exam was cancelled. The minister still didn’t resign. The CBI is investigating again. Another committee will be formed,” Rahul Gandhi said.”Modi ji, the nation has some questions for you — answer them! Why are paper leaks happening again and again? Why are you silent on this repeated ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’? Why haven’t you sacked the education minister who’s failing time and again?” he further questioned.The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET-UG 2026, conducted on May 3, after investigators found evidence that several questions similar to those in the examination paper had been circulated before the test. The re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21. Go to Source
