New Delhi [India], July 23 : Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement of setting up fast-track courts for swift punishment of NEET paper leak offenders, alleging that the Prime Minister "does not have the courage" to stand up in Parliament and engage in serious debate.
In a post on X, Ramesh criticised the Prime Minister's announcement and said it showed that he was "shaken and rattled" by the issues being raised by students during CJP's protests at Jantar Mantar and across the country.
"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. This morning he has put out a social media post to show that he is concerned with the issues being raised by students across the country. Actually, the post such as it is demonstrates that he is shaken and rattled. Vote Chori, Seat Chori, Chanda Chori, Exam Paper Chori.... the list goes on and on," Ramesh wrote.
Ramesh's remarks came amid intensifying protests against the Centre over the NEET paper leak issue.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised the importance of safeguarding the future of the country's youth and announced that fast-track courts would be set up to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.
"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. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," PM Modi wrote.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also criticised the government's decision, questioning why action was not being taken against the minister responsible for the department under which paper leaks allegedly took place.
"Indian politics is a testament to the fact that whenever a minister's department reaches a point where an investigation must be ordered, a fast-track court has to be set up...yet today PM Modi set up fast-track courts merely to punish small-time agents. What about the minister under whose watch papers have leaked 152 times? Will such an incompetent and corrupt minister continue to remain in power? Not even Ravana had arrogance like this..." Tiwari said.