Congress Slams PM Modi's Paper Leak Video, Questions Silence on Student Protests
The Congress on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video message on the paper leak controversy, accusing him of avoiding accountability and ignoring the concerns of protesting students.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed the Prime Minister's delayed response and failure to address the alleged police action against student protesters reflected the government's unwillingness to take responsibility for the crisis.
Congress Questions PM's Response
In a post on X, Ramesh said Prime Minister Modi had finally broken his silence on the paper leak issue after nearly two months but described the video message as insufficient.
He argued that while the Prime Minister announced legislative action against paper leaks, he did not mention the student protests or the alleged police crackdown on demonstrators on July 20.
According to Ramesh, meaningful action should begin with the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability for those responsible for the alleged police action, and an apology to students. ALSO READ: Activist Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike
Congress Alleges Government Changed Its Stand
The Congress leader alleged that the government had previously denied any paper leak in the NEET-UG 2026 examination and avoided acknowledging the issue.
He also referred to the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, claiming the government initially dismissed allegations of widespread irregularities before later acknowledging what it described as a "selective leak" in Hazaribagh.
The desperate and hassled-looking Pradhan Mantri finally broke his two-month-long silence late last night via a video message to speak on paper leaks.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 24, 2026
Remember that the Modi Sarkar has long denied that the NEET-UG 2026 exam was leaked. The Mantri Pradhan deliberately refused to…
Ramesh further questioned the investigations conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging that the agency had failed to adequately explain its findings in the cancelled UGC-NET 2024 examination case.
According to the Congress, these developments have eroded students' trust in the government's handling of examination-related issues. ALSO READ: CJP calls for nationwide protests on Friday; Delhi Police gets NSA detention powers
PM Modi Announces Anti-Paper Leak Bill
In his video message released on Thursday night, Prime Minister Modi announced that the Union Cabinet would discuss a proposed anti-paper leak legislation on Friday before finalising the draft.
He said the government plans to introduce the bill in Parliament during the second week of the Monsoon Session, beginning Monday, with provisions for stringent action against those involved in paper leaks.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that examination leaks deeply affect lakhs of students and their families. He said the government had acted swiftly after allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak surfaced, ensuring that students did not lose an academic year.
According to Modi, authorities arrested those responsible, and by mobilising government resources, around 22 lakh students were able to appear for the re-examination.
Mr. Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2026
Don’t insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video.
1. Sack Pradhan.
2. Punish those who beat students.
3. Apologise https://t.co/7SLB6pQqZx
Rahul Gandhi Also Criticises PM
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also reacted to the Prime Minister's address, accusing him of avoiding the issue of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and said the PM should not insult the intelligence of students with this "pathetic midnight video". ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi calls India's education system 'rigged,' puts forth three core student demands
