Kejriwal Criticises Centre's Response to Exam Paper Leaks, AAP to Join Protest

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday questioned the effectiveness of the Centre's response to alleged examination paper leaks, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of fast-track courts does not address students' core concerns. The party also declared its support for a nationwide protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Kejriwal said that the government's plan to set up fast-track courts for swift punishment would not restore confidence in the examination system. "The students did not demand fast-track courts. They demanded Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation," he alleged, claiming that the Centre was trying to divert attention from the issue and protect the Education Minister.

He questioned the efficacy of fast-track courts, noting that many such courts already exist but either function poorly or take longer than regular courts to dispose of cases. He also asserted that the government had not announced any reforms to prevent future paper leaks. "There has been no announcement that gives students confidence that next year's NEET or any other examination will not see another paper leak," he said.

The AAP chief also criticised the handling of student protests, alleging that protesters faced lathi charge and tear gas. Claiming to have met injured students at Jantar Mantar, he said the Prime Minister "did not express even a single word of sympathy for them." He questioned Mr. Modi's silence on the alleged police action, describing the Prime Minister's statement as that of "a defeated, directionless and arrogant person."

Separately, AAP announced it would support a nationwide protest called by the CJP on Friday over the alleged police action against students and to demand Mr. Pradhan's resignation. Party leader Gopal Rai said AAP workers and office-bearers across the country would join the protest without carrying party flags or banners. He appealed to party members to participate under the leadership of students and continue supporting the movement until the Education Minister resigns. Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj also confirmed the party's backing for the protest.