BJP Accuses Congress of Politicizing NEET Paper Leak to Target Modi

Itanagar, India Jul 23, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 22 Jul: The BJP unit on Wednesday accused the Congress of politicising the NEET paper leak issue to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the opposition is more interested in creating protests than supporting reforms to ensure accountability and transparency in the examination system.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a crucial examination for aspiring medical students in India, serving as a gateway to undergraduate medical courses across the country. Over the years, the exam has faced scrutiny and controversy, particularly concerning allegations of cheating and paper leaks. The latest incident has reignited debates about the integrity of the examination system and the need for robust reforms.

Addressing reporters here, party spokesperson Mutchu Mithi said that the BJP had staged a protest against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over the latter’s demonstration near the prime minister’s residence on Tuesday. Mithi's comments reflect a broader strategy by the BJP to frame the Congress's actions as politically motivated rather than genuinely concerned about student welfare.

Mithi alleged that the Congress protest near the prime minister’s residence posed a potential security risk and claimed that Gandhi’s intention was to attack the prime minister politically rather than focus on resolving the paper leak issue. This assertion highlights the BJP's narrative that the opposition is leveraging sensitive issues for political gain, rather than engaging in constructive dialogue.

Mithi, who represents the Roing Assembly constituency in Lower Dibang Valley district, emphasized that the Centre acted promptly after the paper leak came to light by ordering an investigation, arresting those allegedly involved, and conducting a re-examination in the interest of students and their families. The BJP's quick response is presented as a testament to the government's commitment to upholding the integrity of the education system.

He said the government has also agreed to discuss the issue in Parliament after the opposition sought a debate, but alleged that Gandhi later shifted his demand to seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This shift in focus is indicative of the contentious nature of political discourse in India, where issues can quickly become entangled in demands for accountability from political figures rather than addressing the systemic problems at hand.

“The issue should be discussed in Parliament to bring reforms that ensure accountability and transparency. Strong and watertight reforms cannot be implemented overnight and require discussions with all stakeholders,” the lawmaker said. This statement underscores the complexity of educational reforms in India, which often necessitate collaboration between various governmental and educational bodies, as well as input from students and parents.

Accusing the Congress of trying to gain political mileage, Mithi alleged that the opposition is more interested in creating agitation on the streets than participating in discussions on reforms. This sentiment reflects a broader criticism often leveled by ruling parties against opposition movements, suggesting that protests can distract from more substantive legislative processes.

Replying to queries, Mithi said India is a “process-driven democracy” where investigations are carried out impartially, and those found guilty are prosecuted through the legal process. This assertion aims to reassure the public that due process will be followed in addressing the NEET paper leak, reinforcing the idea that the government is committed to justice.

Responding to questions on police action during protests, Mithi said that maintaining law and order is a complex task, and that it would not be appropriate to comment on the conduct of the police “without knowing the complete facts on the ground.” This cautious approach acknowledges the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing public dissent while also emphasizing the need for accountability in policing practices.

Earlier on Wednesday, the state BJP staged a protest in front of the APCC office here against the “irresponsible and unconstitutional actions of the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi.” The BJP's decision to protest indicates its strategy to counter opposition narratives actively and to rally its base around the issue, framing it as a matter of national security and integrity.

The party termed the Congress protest near the PM’s residence a serious breach of national security, endangering the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “which,” it said, “is highly condemnable, and every citizen of India should condemn such cheap stunts.” By framing the protest in terms of national security, the BJP aims to elevate the perceived stakes of the Congress's actions, potentially swaying public opinion against the opposition.

The BJP also slammed the APCC protest at the Lok Bhavan on 21 July as “a cheap political stunt to mislead the public,” stating that the governor of the state has nothing to do with such issues. This statement reflects a common political tactic where parties seek to delegitimize the opposition’s protests by questioning their motives and relevance.

“Lok Bhavan is not meant for political drama,” the party said, suggesting that the space should be reserved for governance rather than political theatrics. This perspective reinforces the idea that political discourse should occur within established institutions rather than through public demonstrations, which can be viewed as disruptive.

On the NEET paper leak, the state BJP reaffirmed that, “under PM Modi’s leadership, strict action is underway. The prime minister has termed it a ‘ghor paap’ and assured that no culprit will be spared. Arrests have already been made and the investigation is ongoing, it said. The use of strong language, such as ‘ghor paap’ (a grave sin), serves to emphasize the government's seriousness in addressing the issue and conveys a moral stance against corruption and malpractice in education.

“He said also that the BJP and the government are sympathetic towards the students and parents affected by the paper leak, and that the party believes the law will take its own course, with the highest punishment to be given to those responsible,” it said. This acknowledgment of the victims of the paper leak serves to humanize the political discourse and connect the party with the concerns of students and their families.

The state BJP asked the Congress to stop misleading the nation and engage in responsible politics. “Such reckless actions only expose their frustration and failure,” it said. This closing statement encapsulates the BJP's broader narrative strategy, which seeks to position itself as the party of governance and responsibility in contrast to an opposition perceived as chaotic and opportunistic.

The implications of this exchange between the BJP and Congress extend beyond the immediate issue of the NEET paper leak. It reflects the ongoing political polarization in India, where issues of governance, accountability, and public trust are increasingly contentious. As both parties navigate this landscape, the ability to engage in constructive dialogue and implement meaningful reforms will be critical in shaping the future of India's education system and the broader political climate.