'Not Mann Ki Baat, Face Parliament': Kharge's Sharp Challenge to PM Modi

The political battle over the nationwide paper leak controversy intensified on Friday after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue in Parliament instead of speaking through what he termed a "one-sided Mann Ki Baat."

Kharge's remarks came a day after the Prime Minister announced through a video message that the Centre would introduce a new Bill in Parliament next week providing for stringent action against paper leaks. Modi also said the proposed legislation would be discussed and finalised by the Union Cabinet before being tabled during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Responding to the announcement, Kharge said that while Parliament is in session, the Prime Minister should make an official statement on the floor of the House and participate in a full-fledged debate on the issue rather than addressing the nation through a video message. He also renewed the Congress' demand for the dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that accountability must begin with the government.

Kharge further called on the Prime Minister to apologise to students affected by the examination controversy and sought strict action against those responsible for the alleged use of batons and pellet guns during protests by students. He maintained that the Congress was prepared for a detailed discussion on reforms in the education system once these steps were taken.

In his video message on Thursday night, Modi acknowledged that paper leaks had caused immense distress to lakhs of students and their families. Referring to the alleged NEET paper leak, he said the government had acted swiftly, those responsible had been arrested and jailed, and measures were taken to ensure that nearly 22 lakh students could appear for the retest without losing an academic year.

The Prime Minister said the proposed legislation would contain strong provisions to curb paper leaks and that the government would attempt to secure its passage at the earliest when Parliament reconvenes next week.

Soon after Modi's announcement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised the Prime Minister, accusing him of avoiding the Opposition's demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and describing the late-night video message as inadequate in addressing students' concerns.