Aizawl/Itanagar: BJP’s Mizoram unit on Thursday backed students demanding a fair investigation into the alleged NEET question paper leak, while the party’s Arunachal Pradesh unit accused Congress of politicising the controversy.Referring to student demonstrations in Aizawl, including an event organised by the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (Mizo students’ association) on Thursday, Mizoram BJP said in a statement that the protests reflected genuine concerns and could pave the way for examination reforms.Mizoram BJP said students across the country had the right to demand fairness and transparency in competitive examinations such as NEET, Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC) and other recruitment or entrance tests.It welcomed the Centre’s response, saying PM Narendra Modi had taken students’ concerns seriously and initiated measures to bring those involved in the alleged NEET paper leak to justice through fast-track courts and ensure stringent punishment.Arunachal Pradesh BJP on Thursday hit out at Congress, accusing it of politicising the NEET paper leak controversy, and urged the opposition to engage in a discussion in Parliament rather than disrupting legislative proceedings.Addressing a news conference at the BJP state headquarters here, agriculture and allied minister Gabriel D Wangsu said examination irregularities affect the future of millions of students and must be addressed through constructive debate rather than political confrontation.The minister was joined by state BJP general secretary Tadar Niglar and party leader Junty Singphoo. Wangsu accused leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi and the opposition of avoiding a meaningful parliamentary debate. “The future of the country’s youth is of paramount importance, and Parliament is the appropriate forum for discussing such issues,” Wangsu said.Underlining Modi’s commitment to youth welfare, Wangsu said the Centre has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against examination malpractices. He highlighted that the PM has directed the setup of fast-track courts to ensure time-bound trials and strict punishment for those implicated in paper leak cases.“Instead of contributing to reforms, Congress is attempting to derive political mileage from the controversy. This is a time to find solutions, not indulge in political opportunism,” the minister alleged, adding that the Centre remains open to constructive suggestions from the opposition.Highlighting the govt’s measures, Wangsu pointed out that multiple arrests have been made, examinations are being conducted under enhanced security, and the central education budget has risen sharply from Rs 8,225 crore during the UPA tenure to Rs 1.39 lakh crore under the current administration, alongside a major expansion of AIIMS and IITs nationwide.
Students at a protest in Aizawl
