NEET paper leak row: J P Nadda hits back at Rahul Gandhi, accuses Congress of seeking political mileage

New Delhi: Hitting back at Rahul Gandhi over the NEET paper leak issue, Union minister J P Nadda on Wednesday accused the Congress leader of seeking "political mileage" rather than protecting students' interests, even as he pitched for an "intensive discussion" in Parliament to evolve a long-term solution to recurring examination paper leaks.

Addressing a press conference, the BJP president said the Narendra Modi-led government was "responsible and responsive" and fully prepared for a comprehensive debate on the issue in Parliament. With the investigation underway, he said, the government would respond to every question and place all facts before the people.

Nadda also sought to turn the spotlight on opposition-ruled states, asking Gandhi why he had remained silent on paper leak cases there while attacking the Centre.


"I would like to ask Rahul Gandhi why you are so selective. This clearly shows your objective is not students' interest. You are interested in taking political mileage and doing politics on students' demands. This is unfortunate," he said.

Calling for a bipartisan approach, Nadda urged opposition parties to move beyond a blame game and work with the government to devise a permanent mechanism to curb examination paper leaks.

The BJP leader's remarks came hours after Gandhi accused the Centre of wrecking the country's education system and reiterated that the agitating students' three demands -- the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, action against those responsible for assaulting protesters, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- were "non-negotiable".