TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Critiques Government Amid Support for Exam Bill

TMC's Stance on the Public Examination Bill

During a debate in the Lok Sabha on January 31, 2026, Abhishek Banerjee, a member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), expressed his party's backing for the 'Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026'. However, he simultaneously criticized the government's 12-year track record of failures. While supporting the bill aimed at promoting fair examinations, Banerjee emphasized that this should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the government's approach to addressing irregularities.

He argued that merely tightening laws cannot replace accountability for the repeated failures in maintaining the integrity of public examinations.

Concerns Over Accountability

Banerjee stated, "We support this bill, but I want to clarify from the outset that our support does not imply—nor should the government expect—that we will praise those who bring a bucket of water after setting the world on fire." He stressed that every responsible political party should ensure that students can trust the fairness of exams, and parents should believe that success is determined by hard work, talent, and integrity, rather than money, influence, or organized crime.

He reiterated that supporting this bill cannot serve as a substitute for accountability.

Need for Stronger Measures

Banerjee further pointed out the necessity for robust legislation, but warned that if systemic flaws continue to cast doubt on the integrity of examinations, mere laws will not suffice. He noted that no matter how stringent the amendments are, they will not restore the trust of the millions of students who have been let down. He accused the BJP-led government of failing to secure the examination system, stating that the bill under discussion does not offer a solution but rather acknowledges the government's shortcomings.

He remarked that the NDA and BJP government has failed to protect merit, and now, as this failure becomes evident nationwide, the government wants Parliament to believe that increasing penalties will erase 12 years of incompetence.

Critique of Government's Approach

Banerjee criticized the government for frequently changing laws instead of addressing operational challenges. He claimed that the government has mastered the art of altering laws whenever there is a failure in governance; when administration falters, they increase penalties; and when institutions fail, they announce the formation of another committee. He concluded that governance is not driven by headlines but measured by outcomes.

Earlier, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Jitendra Singh, introduced this bill amid widespread protests regarding the NEET-UG paper leak.

Stay Updated with National News

For the latest updates on politics, current events, and major news stories, stay tuned to National News.