Paper leak protests: Opposition trying to fish in turbid waters, create unrest, says Sushanta

Opposition parties are attempting to politicise the NEET question paper leak issue and create unrest across the country to target the Central government and the ruling party, Tripura minister Sushanta Chowdhury alleged on Thursday.

Accusing the opposition parties of trying to fish in turbid waters, he said, “The opposition parties are trying to fish in turbid waters with the help of foreign powers. In the guise of paper leak controversy, the opposition parties are trying to oust the government and make a backdoor entry into powers. They are considering these protests as an opportunity to exploit the youngsters.”      

Addressing a press conference at the state BJP state headquarters here, Chowdhury claimed that opposition parties were trying to exploit the issue for political gains and tarnish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Education Minister.

He alleged that protests over the alleged paper leak were aimed at creating confusion among the public rather than facilitating discussion on the issue.

"The Centre is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and is prepared to discuss it in Parliament. However, the opposition is avoiding discussion and instead is trying to spread misinformation," the minister said.

Chowdhury also alleged that some foreign forces were attempting to put pressure on the Centre with the support of opposition parties, particularly the Congress, with the objective of damaging the country's image.

Referring to previous governments, he claimed that incidents of corruption and examination paper leaks had also taken place during the tenure of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and that several such cases remained unresolved.

“When Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, paper leaks became a regular affair. AIIMS exam papers got leaked, RRB exam papers got leaked, in Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Karnataka state PSC exam papers got leaked. Till date, no stringent action was taken. In all these states Congress governments were in power when these incidents took place,” he said. 

The minister said the Centre was committed to ensuring a transparent and impartial investigation into the alleged paper leak and that those found guilty would face strict legal action.

He also referred to a social media post by the Prime Minister, saying the proposed fast-track courts would help ensure speedy and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leak cases.

According to Chowdhury, the move sends a clear message that those attempting to jeopardise the future of students would not be spared.

The minister further warned that any attempt to create a law and order problem in the name of protests would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.