Paper Leak Protests: PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts, Opposition Demands Minister's Resignation

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the establishment of fast-track courts to deal with cases of paper leaks, a move aimed at addressing widespread protests by students over irregularities in exams like NEET. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, 'Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.' He added that authorities have been directed to take all necessary steps, emphasising that 'those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.'

The announcement came amid continuing protests in Delhi and other cities over the NEET paper leak controversy. Students, organised under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party, have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, action against those responsible for the leak, and accountability from the central government.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi responded sharply to the Prime Minister's announcement. In a post on X, he rejected PM Modi's assertion that the government was protecting students' interests, writing, 'You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most.' He alleged that the government had allowed the country's education system to deteriorate, stating, 'You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system - and protected every person responsible for it.' Gandhi reiterated three demands raised by protesting students: '1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan. 2. Apologise to the students. 3. Take action against those who assaulted them.'

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also urged the Prime Minister to respond directly to the students. She said that the government must address the students' core demands rather than rely solely on institutional measures, noting that public trust in the system had eroded. 'He is a leader, and the time has come to show leadership. Listen to the demands of the students; they are demanding the resignation of the minister and action against those who have beaten them up. The students have lost faith in the system. If you provide a solution within the framework of the system, the students will not accept it. A solution can be reached only when you agree to the demands of the students,' she said.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the Prime Minister for avoiding a debate in Parliament on the issue. 'The PM does not have the courage to stand up in Parliament, speak and engage in serious debate like all his predecessors did when the occasion demanded,' Ramesh wrote on X. He claimed the Prime Minister's social media post reflected pressure from the ongoing protests, adding, 'Actually, the post such as it is demonstrates that he is shaken and rattled.' Ramesh also targeted the government over alleged irregularities, writing, 'Vote Chori, Seat Chori, Chanda Chori, Exam Paper Chori…. the list goes on and on.'

The government has not yet responded to the opposition's demands. The protests over the NEET paper leak continue, with students demanding swift justice and systemic reforms.