Delhi Minister Sirsa Calls for Resignation of Punjab Education Minister Over Paper Leak Controversy

Shillong, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), demanding the resignation of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains over the alleged paper leak controversy. This controversy has sparked significant outrage among various political factions and the public, highlighting issues of transparency and accountability within the educational system in Punjab.

The backdrop of this controversy is set against a series of examination paper leak incidents that have plagued the Indian education system, particularly in recent years. These incidents have raised serious questions about the integrity of the examination processes, leading to widespread calls for reform and stricter regulations. The AAP, which has been in power in Punjab since March 2022, has positioned itself as a proponent of educational reform, promising to enhance the quality of education and eliminate corruption. However, the current paper leak allegations are putting these promises to the test.

Sirsa accused the AAP of adopting double standards and alleged that its leaders had failed to uphold the principles they had previously advocated on examination paper leaks. The accusation reflects a broader sentiment among opposition parties that AAP's governance is inconsistent with its rhetoric. The party's leaders have often emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency, particularly in the context of education. Sirsa's statements suggest that he believes AAP is not living up to its own standards.

Speaking in a video post, Sirsa referred to AAP’s earlier stand on similar controversies and questioned why the party was not seeking the resignation of its Punjab minister. This line of questioning is significant as it underscores the perceived hypocrisy within AAP's leadership. Sirsa’s comments are not just an attack on Bains but also aim to cast doubt on the integrity of the AAP's governance as a whole.

“The leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party, especially Manish Sisodia, were very adamant that if a paper leak occurred, the concerned minister should resign,” Sirsa said. This statement is a direct reference to past incidents where AAP leaders have called for resignations from other parties over similar issues. The implication here is that AAP is failing to apply the same standards to its own members, which could damage its credibility among voters.

He further claimed that when AAP leaders were recently questioned about the Punjab paper leak, they had themselves acknowledged that accountability should be fixed. This acknowledgment by AAP leaders, according to Sirsa, indicates an awareness of the seriousness of the allegations and the need for action. However, the lack of decisive action, such as seeking Bains' resignation, raises questions about the party's commitment to accountability.

“Yesterday and the day before, when AAP leaders were asked whether the minister should resign over the Punjab paper leak, they said he should resign. But today, this party, which does politics in the name of children and uses children for political drama, is not taking the resignation of its minister, Harjot Bains,” he alleged. This statement points to a perceived inconsistency in AAP's messaging and actions, which could alienate voters who prioritize integrity and accountability in governance.

Stepping up his criticism, Sirsa accused the AAP leadership of shielding its own ministers despite repeatedly speaking about transparency and accountability. This accusation reflects a growing frustration among opposition parties regarding AAP's handling of internal controversies. Sirsa's remarks suggest that he believes AAP is more focused on maintaining power than on addressing the concerns of the public.

“Yesterday, when they were asked when they would seek the resignation of their Punjab minister, they had no answer. It is shameful. They are dishonest, they mislead people, and they indulge in political drama,” he said. Such strong language indicates the high stakes involved in this controversy, as it not only concerns individual accountability but also the broader implications for governance in Punjab.

The Delhi minister further alleged that the party had abandoned its own principles for political convenience. This accusation is particularly potent in the context of AAP's rise to power, which was largely built on a platform of anti-corruption and reform. If AAP is seen as failing to uphold these principles, it could have significant electoral consequences.

“The Aam Aadmi Party, which always harms people for its dirty politics, has run away from taking Harjot Bains’ resignation. Those who used to lead movements and make tall claims are nowhere to be seen today. This shows how dishonest and deceptive this party is,” Sirsa said. This statement not only criticizes AAP's current actions but also seeks to undermine its historical narrative as a party of reform.

He also targeted AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, senior leader Manish Sisodia, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing them of failing to take responsibility for the alleged examination irregularities. This broader attack on AAP leadership suggests that Sirsa is attempting to unify opposition sentiment against AAP, framing the party as failing to deliver on its promises.

“Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and even Bhagwant Mann have failed to take the resignation of their minister. The future of children has been ruined, papers were allegedly sold for lakhs of rupees, and the Aam Aadmi Party, which is hanging a sword over the future of thousands of children, is shamelessly running away instead of seeking Harjot Bains’ resignation,” Sirsa said. This statement highlights the emotional and ethical stakes of the controversy, framing it as a betrayal of students and their futures. The mention of money being exchanged for examination papers underscores the severity of the allegations and the potential implications for the educational system in Punjab.

The remarks come amid the ongoing political row over the alleged paper leak in Punjab, with opposition parties demanding accountability and action against those responsible. The Punjab government and the Aam Aadmi Party have continued to face criticism from political rivals, who have questioned the handling of the controversy and called for greater accountability over the alleged examination irregularities. As this controversy unfolds, it is likely to remain a focal point in the political discourse in Punjab, affecting not only AAP's governance but also its electoral prospects in the future.