JP Nadda Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over ‘152 Paper Leaks’ Claim, Alleges ‘Selective Outrage’

Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda on Wednesday strongly responded to Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that India has witnessed 152 examination paper leaks over the last decade. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi amid growing protests over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, Nadda questioned Gandhi’s “selective outrage” and accused him of politicising an issue that directly impacts students across the country.

Rahul Gandhi had earlier claimed that India’s education system was “rigged” and alleged that 152 examination paper leaks had taken place in the past ten years, averaging nearly one leak every month. He further alleged that despite the repeated irregularities, there had been no convictions over the decade, raising serious concerns over accountability and the government’s handling of examination-related crimes.

Responding to the allegations, JP Nadda said the Centre would investigate the claims made by Rahul Gandhi and present the facts before the nation. He stressed that the government, as a responsible administration, would examine the matter thoroughly rather than making political statements.

However, Nadda also accused the Congress leader of focusing only on incidents that suited his political narrative. He questioned why Gandhi had not highlighted alleged examination irregularities that occurred in states governed by Opposition parties.

“Why are you so selective? Why didn’t you question governments that are part of the INDIA bloc alliance? This clearly shows you have a motive, and students are not your priority,” Nadda said during the press conference. He further alleged that the Congress was attempting to gain political mileage from the concerns of students and their families.

To support his argument, Nadda cited several instances of alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities in states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu during periods when Opposition parties were in power. According to him, examination-related malpractices are not confined to one government or one state and should not be viewed through a political lens.

The minister also reiterated that the Centre remains open to a discussion on the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. He said the government is prepared to debate the issue and is committed to ensuring transparency in the investigation while taking appropriate action based on the findings.

The remarks came amid mounting pressure from student groups and political parties demanding accountability over the NEET-UG examination controversy. Thousands of students and members of the Congress-backed Chhatra Jawan Parishad (CJP) have been protesting, calling for stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of competitive examinations.

During the press conference, Nadda also addressed another issue that has drawn national attention. He said the government would respond to a letter written by environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for several weeks.

Currently admitted to a hospital in Gurugram, Wangchuk wrote an open letter to JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, stating that he would be willing to end his fast if the government assured that no legal action would be taken against student protesters involved in clashes with police near Jantar Mantar during recent demonstrations.

The developments come as the debate over examination reforms, paper leak prevention and student welfare continues to dominate the national political discourse, with both the government and the Opposition trading allegations over responsibility and accountability.