NEET Controversy Sparks Massive Political Row

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th June. The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) has become the epicenter of a significant political controversy, intensifying as opposition parties criticize the government for alleged inaction. Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party, in a pointed critique, questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence over the purported paper leaks affecting over 24 lakh NEET aspirants.

In a Hindi post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi accused the BJP-ruled states of being hubs for the alleged leaks, stating, “Narendra Modi, as usual, is maintaining silence on the tampering with the future of more than 24 lakh students in the NEET examination.” He underscored the opposition’s commitment to championing youth concerns from streets to Parliament.

The controversy has spurred Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK party into action, labeling NEET discriminatory against rural students without access to expensive coaching centers. DMK demands exclusion of state-run medical colleges from NEET. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party joined student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, pledging parliamentary action.

Responding to the escalating criticism, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, defended the government’s stance. “This is not merely BJP versus Opposition; NEET paper leaks are a serious concern being actively investigated,” he asserted.

Since June 4, when irregularities in NEET results surfaced, students have demanded a rescheduled exam for all, not just the few who received grace marks. The Supreme Court chastised the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducting NEET, demanding stringent accountability. “Even a fraction of negligence must be thoroughly addressed,” the court admonished, emphasizing fair conduct and transparent actions from the NTA.

The NEET controversy continues to draw political battle lines as stakeholders navigate through allegations of impropriety and calls for accountability.