New Delhi [India], July 24 : Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance of strict action against exam paper leaks, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh accused the PM of protecting Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whose resignation is being sought by protesting students at Jantar Mantar.
He further said that PM Modi has an "atrocious track record of giving jumlas" on the paper leak issue. To support his claim, Ramesh shared a compilation video showcasing PM Modi's past public statements regarding exam paper leaks over the years.
https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/2080508741955551292?s=20
"The Pradhan Mantri who continues to protect Mantri Pradhan himself has no credibility on paper leaks. This is his atrocious track record of giving jumlas on paper leaks so far," the Congress leader told ANI.
Ramesh's remarks come a day after PM Modi, in a self-recorded video shared on X on Thursday, promised "more strict" action against paper leaks even as CJP-led protests still continue.
In a self-recorded video shared on X, the Prime Minister announced that the Union Cabinet will take up a draft Bill providing for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishment for offenders. he said, "I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts"
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also took a jibe at PM Modi, this time over his message to Sonam Wangchuk after the activist ended his 26-day fast.
PM Modi had urged Wangchuk to "follow his routine as per the doctors' advice and regain his old weight as soon as possible", adding, "I pray to the Lord that Sonam ji remains healthy".
In his X post, Raut said doctors protesting at Jantar Mantar also "advise" that Dharmendra Pradhan must resign, stating that it would definitely have a positive impact on Wangchuk's health more than fast-track courts.
"Prime Minister Ji (Respected), Many doctors are also protesting at Jantar Mantar! All those doctors' advice is to demand the resignation of the failed Education Minister.. Sonam Ji's health will improve even faster than from a fast-track court! Sonam Ji has given up the fast. The movement against tanashahi will continue! Thank you," he said.
https://x.com/rautsanjay61/status/2080504587694592257?s=20
PM Modi's assurance follows weeks of agitation over the issue of the NEET paper leak, and the CJP, which is leading the protest, has asserted that the protest would continue until the resignation of the Union education minister.
Several opposition leaders, including LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, have voiced their criticism over PM Modi's assurance.
Kharge demanded that the Prime Minister make a statement in Parliament, dismiss Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and apologise to students protesting over the issue.
In a post shared on X, Kharge said, "When Parliament is in session, the Prime Minister has to give a Statement on the floor of Parliament, not make a one-sided 'Mann Ki Baat' outside Parliament by recording a video late at night!!"
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi also reiterated the demands of the opposition, central to which is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
"Mr. Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Don't insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video. 1. Sack Pradhan. 2. Punish those who beat students. 3. Apologise," Gandhi posted on X.
Meanwhile, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that the Central governemnt has met peaceful student protests with "cowardice and wanton cruelty", and has treated the country's youth "as enemies of the nation" rather than "as inheritors of the future."
In an editorial opinion, Sonia Gandhi urged the Centre to halt the police crackdown, stating that "these are our sons and daughters, our young men and women."