NEW DELHI: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday accused the Opposition of fleeing from a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue, stating that INDIA bloc leaders began imposing conditions despite initially agreeing to a debate in Parliament.
Speaking to reporters, Rijiju pointed out that he had reached out to Opposition members across party lines to facilitate a structured debate. However, he claimed that as time progressed, the Opposition began offering “excuses” to stall proceedings.
“Today, we hoped to initiate a debate on the NEET exam paper leak. Yesterday, we held talks with several leaders from opposition parties, as well as leaders across party lines, and everyone agreed on finding a way forward. However, as time progressed, they began imposing conditions again and making various excuses. Still, by evening, we were hopeful of finding a resolution through discussions with the Congress and other Opposition colleagues, especially since the Prime Minister made it abundantly clear today that complete measures are being taken to safeguard the lives and security of students and youth, and that no laxity or compromise will be tolerated,” Rijiju said.
The Union Minister added that any discussion on paper leaks in Parliament must encompass incidents across all states, rather than focusing solely on central agencies.
“If a discussion takes place today, it should cover paper leaks across the entire country, as this is not limited to a single state. Paper leaks have occurred in several states, as well as through central examination agencies, and we should discuss all of them together. We conveyed this in both Houses of Parliament. The government deemed it necessary to present before the House and the nation all the steps taken following the NEET paper leak including conducting re-examinations, declaring results without delay, and outlining preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future,” he added.
