'Why Are You So Selective?': Nadda Questions Opposition, Lists Parties Under Which Exam Papers Were Leaked

New Delhi: Union Minster JP Nadda on Wednesday held a press conference addressing the students' process against exam paper leaks, stressing that the issue should not be politicised. Calling paper leak a “serious” problem, Nadda stated that the matter requires “in-depth discussion” and it is not appropriate to seek “political advantage” from it.

The press conference comes amidst intensifying protest by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over NEET paper leak.

‘Govt Will Investigate’: Nadda 

During the press briefing, JP Nadda acknowledged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegation in the Parliament that 152 examination papers has been leaked across India over the past decade. Nadda stated that Gandhi's allegations will be examined and the government will respond after investigation.

He added, "This is a matter of investigation, and the government, being a responsible government, will undoubtedly investigate and present the truth to the public and the nation."

Nadda Lists Parties Under Which Papers Were Leaked

*JP Nadda also listed the names of Opposition parties under which exam papers have been leaked in the past:

Congress & National Conference

Service Selection Board examination (Jammu and Kashmir)

Congress

Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education examination (Himachal Pradesh)

Congress & Jharkhand Mukti Morcha

JAC's Hindi and Science examinations (Jharkhand)

Congress & CPI

Intermediate language paper (Telangana)

SSC language paper

TMC

Police Constable recruitment exam (West Bengal)

Congress

PUC exam (Karnataka)

Nadda stated that he has mentioned just a few names, and the list runs very long.

‘Aap Itne Selective Kyu Hai?’ Nadda Asks Rahul

Nadda launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi after mentioning the list of Opposition parties under whom paper leaks took place in different states. The Union Minister questioned, “Why are you so selective? Why haven't you discussed the UPA and UPA-supported governments? Why have you distanced yourself from them?

"This clearly shows that your objective isn't the welfare of students. Your objective is not to improve education, improve the quality of education, and ensure justice for students. You're not interested in this. You want to gain political mileage from student issues and demands. You want to make political gains, which is unfortunate," Nadda added.

'Govt Ready For Discussion'

JP Nadda further stated that the government is ready for discussion and the opposition should keep this in mind and not change the goal post.

“We should think about how we can solve this problem and the Parliament is the most appropriate forum where we can think about it deeply. The opposition should decide the duration and every aspect should be discussed in it and we should come up with a concrete policy," the Union Minister added.

Noting that it is both government and the Opposition's responsibility to take care of the future of the country, Nadda said, “Children are ours, yours, and the future of the country. It is our responsibility to care for the future of the country. This responsibility includes the government as well as the opposition.”

"I urge the opposition to fulfill its responsibility, and we should all work together to address this issue and move forward toward a lasting solution."

Jantar Mantar Protest

The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been camping at the Jantar Mantar from June 6, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.

The movement drew heightened attention when it got support from famous environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who went on an indefinite hunger strike at the protest site. After 20+ days of fasting, he was forcibly moved to a hospital by police. He has written a letter to Union Minister JP Nadda, offering to end the strike if  the government assures that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. 

He said, "Their only "offence" has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system."

Meanwhile, CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke has stressed that the “protest will not end until Dharmendra Pradhan is sacked by PM Modi”.

The protest turned violent on Monday (June 20) during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ movement when protesters refused to disperse and “violated prohibitory orders”, police said. During the scuffle, many protesters and police personnel suffered injuries.

*Note- The parties listed governed the states when the exam paper leaks occurred, not necessarily the ones currently in power.