Political Tensions Rise Over Proposed Bill Against Exam Paper Leaks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent announcement regarding a bill to tackle exam paper leaks has ignited fierce political debates in India. Opposition parties, including Congress and the Cockroach People's Party, are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, asserting that accountability for the exam mafia must precede any new legislation. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving government assurances, but protests will continue until Pradhan resigns. Modi plans to present the bill in Parliament next week, following Cabinet approval, amidst ongoing discussions about measures taken against those involved in the NEET paper leak scandal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 24, 2026, 09:30 IST

Political Reactions to Modi's Midnight Announcement

The political landscape in India has become increasingly heated following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a stringent bill aimed at addressing exam paper leaks. Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Cockroach People's Party (CJP), have sharply criticized this move, demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They argue that before any new legislation is enacted, accountability for the exam mafia must be established, and the most decisive action would be to remove Pradhan from his position.

On Thursday, the CJP stated that the government's most significant step against irregularities in examinations would be to dismiss Pradhan from his role. National spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka responded to the Prime Minister's statement by urging, "Modi Ji, remove Dharmendra Pradhan tomorrow. This would be your most stringent action." CJP founder Abhijit Deepke also mocked the Prime Minister's announcement, sharing an image on social media showing a person closing an entrance gate without walls, interpreted as a jab at the proposed legislation.

Ongoing Protests and Hunger Strikes

Earlier, social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike regarding the NEET question paper leak, ended his fast after receiving assurances from the government. The CJP expressed relief and happiness over Wangchuk's decision to conclude his 26-day protest; however, they confirmed that their peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar would continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

Meanwhile, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the Prime Minister for ignoring calls for Pradhan's resignation in his late-night video message. Gandhi posted on social media, stating that the Prime Minister should not disrespect the intelligence of students. He urged, "Modi Ji, our students are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Do not insult their intelligence with this meaningless video released at midnight. Take three actions: first, remove Pradhan; second, punish those who assaulted students; and third, apologize."

Upcoming Legislative Actions

On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi announced that a bill with strict provisions against question paper leaks would be presented in Parliament next week, pending approval from the Union Cabinet. He mentioned that discussions on the bill's draft would take place during the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday. Modi also noted that following allegations of NEET question paper leaks, the government has implemented several measures, including the establishment of fast-track courts, and has arrested those responsible, sending them to jail.