Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Denies Paper Leak Allegations Amid Opposition Claims

Bhagwant Mann Responds to Opposition Claims

On Sunday, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dismissed allegations from the opposition regarding multiple paper leaks in the state. He asserted that during the four and a half years of the AAP government's tenure, not a single competitive exam paper has been leaked. This statement came in response to accusations from the BJP and other opposition parties, who demanded the resignation of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains over the alleged leaks.

Background of the Controversy

The controversy emerged following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which occurred after a month-long protest by students led by the 'Cockroach People's Party' (CJP). The BJP highlighted Pradhan's resignation as a model of accountability, questioning why the AAP leadership had not taken similar action in Punjab. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked, "Dharmendra Pradhan has already resigned, setting a prime example of accountability and ethics."

Allegations Against AAP Leaders

Poonawalla accused AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal of previously stating they would resign if any paper leaks occurred under their watch. He noted that there have been 6 to 7 paper leaks in Punjab. He also criticized Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, calling him shameless. In response, Mann reiterated that no competitive exam papers have been leaked during the AAP administration. While addressing an event honoring 882 government school students who passed the NEET-UG re-examination, he acknowledged two instances of cheating but clarified that these did not involve paper leaks. He confirmed that all individuals involved have been arrested.

Details of the Cheating Scandal

According to reports, Mann stated that students were caught using Bluetooth pens to digitally scan exam papers and send them outside for answers. Cheating students were apprehended just ten minutes after the exam began, along with those who were charging ₹3-5 lakh for solving papers. So far, 21 individuals have been arrested in connection with this cheating scandal, which reportedly involved an interstate racket during a recent Pharmacy Officer examination.

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