Rahul Gandhi slams 'silent' Modi over NEET-UG controversy as Supreme Court criticises exam handling

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (June 18) for "remaining silent" about the alleged anomalies in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, a key test for admission to medical colleges that was taken by millions.

His attack on the prime minister came shortly after the Supreme Court criticised the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) for their handling of the NEET-UG 2024 exam, saying that even in the unlikely event that there was "0.001 per cent negligence" on anyone's part, it should be thoroughly addressed.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as usual, remains silent on the issue of over 2.4 million students' futures being jeopardised by the NEET exam scandal. Arrests in Bihar, Gujarat, and Haryana clearly indicate that there was a planned and organised corruption in the exam process, with these BJP-ruled states becoming the epicentre of the paper leak,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X in Hindi.

“In our manifesto, we guaranteed the protection of the youth's future by enacting stringent laws against paper leaks. Fulfilling our responsibility as the Opposition, we are committed to strongly raising the voices of the youth across the country, from the streets to Parliament, and pressuring the government to develop such stringent policies,” the Congress MP added.

Admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other relevant courses at government and private medical universities across the country is determined by the results of the NEET-UG test, which is administered by the NTA.

Earlier on Sunday, Rahul Gandhi attacked Modi over the medical entry exam controversy, claiming that even before Modi took the oath of office for a new term, more than 2.4 million students had been crushed by the alleged "irregularities".

Rahul Gandhi gave students assurances that he would speak for them in Parliament and strongly bring up issues about their future.

What is the SC saying?

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declared that the case over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate)-2024 test should not be handled as adversarial, noting that students put in a lot of effort to prepare for these exams.

Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti on vacation urged the lawyers standing on behalf of the Centre and the NTA, "Even if there is 0.001 per cent negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with."

(With inputs from agencies)