NEW DELHI: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the NDA Parliamentary Party that the government acted swiftly after reports of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak surfaced, with 13 accused arrested so far, and that it “stands with the students” while favouring the strictest punishment for those behind the racket, as the Opposition stepped up attacks over the handling of the controversy.
The NEET-UG 2026 controversy dominated political activity inside Parliament a day after the Cockroach Janta Party’s march towards the complex ended in clashes between protesters and the Delhi Police.
While PM Modi described paper leaks as a national concern that should not be politicised, Congress leaders accused the government of using force against students instead of addressing their grievances.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said PM Modi raised the NEET controversy during the NDA Parliamentary Party’s ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting.
Rijiju said the Prime Minister told NDA MPs that the government acted immediately after reports of the paper leak emerged, leading to the arrest of 13 accused.
According to Rijiju, PM Modi said conducting the NEET re-examination without delaying the declaration of results was treated as a priority to minimise disruption for students.
“On the NEET exam, the PM said we stand with the students. Those involved in paper leaks must face strict action, in consultation with top lawyers,” Rijiju told reporters after the meeting.
“Paper leaks are a matter of national concern and must not be politicised. Strict action should be taken not only by the Centre but also by states wherever paper leaks occur,” he added.
PM Modi also appealed to senior lawyers to support efforts to secure the strictest possible punishment for those involved in paper leak rackets so that future offences are effectively deterred.
He said paper leaks were not confined to any one state or the Centre and called on all governments and political parties to work together to tackle the problem.
The remarks came amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demands for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described the police action against protesters as “absolutely disgusting” and said students had a genuine grievance.
She said families often take loans and make considerable sacrifices to pay for coaching and education in the hope of securing a better future for their children.
“They face immense hardships because they want a bright future. They see a possibility for that future, and you are just destroying it,” she said.
Priyanka Gandhi said examination irregularities were a deep-rooted problem that had persisted for years.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi also backed the party’s position. Asked about Monday’s police action, she said the Congress had already spoken on the matter.
Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed support for the protesters and said an agitated student community must be taken seriously by the government.
Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said he would not celebrate his birthday on Tuesday because of the alleged police action against students.
Kharge accused the government of responding to demands for justice with batons and tear gas.
Agencies