Nadda said Congress MPs had worn black clothes, carried banners and repeatedly disrupted proceedings while declining the government’s offer of a structured debate. He argued that Parliament should be used to examine failures in the testing system, identify those responsible and frame stronger measures against organised examination fraud.
Both Houses faced disruption during the Monsoon Session as opposition parties demanded that regular business be suspended for an immediate debate on the alleged leak. The Congress also pressed for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying political accountability was necessary after thousands of medical aspirants were affected.
The government maintained that it was willing to hold a detailed discussion but resisted demands that Pradhan step down before the debate. Nadda accused the opposition of imposing preconditions and said its protests suggested that confrontation had been given priority over legislative scrutiny.
Congress MPs staged demonstrations outside Parliament dressed in black and displayed placards criticising the government’s handling of the examination controversy. Opposition leaders described the protest as an expression of solidarity with students and demonstrators who had faced police action during marches in Delhi.
Nadda disputed the claim that the government had ignored the protesters. He said serving and former BJP presidents, senior leaders and government representatives had spoken with students and activist Sonam Wangchuk. These contacts, he said, demonstrated that channels for engagement remained open even as demonstrations continued.
Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 28, seeking accountability over examination failures and protection for students involved in the protests. He offered to end the fast if the authorities provided assurances that peaceful demonstrators would not face criminal or administrative action.
Opposition MPs also met Wangchuk and urged him to withdraw his fast. A group of lawmakers delivered a letter signed by members of several parties, promising to carry the campaign for examination reform into Parliament. Wangchuk, however, sought firm guarantees concerning students before taking a decision.
The dispute has grown beyond the handling of a single examination. Student groups have demanded an independent investigation, wider reforms in the National Testing Agency, compensation for affected families and accountability for officials responsible for security failures. Some protesters have also called for faster prosecution of examination rackets and greater transparency in the appointment and supervision of testing contractors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. He has backed the use of fast-track courts and said people who jeopardise the future of students will not be spared. The government has presented its response as part of a broader effort to make national examinations more secure and restore confidence among candidates.
The Public Examinations Act provides prison terms and substantial fines for organised cheating, unauthorised access to question papers and collusion involving examination service providers. Offences covered by the law are cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, with organised crimes carrying imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of at least ₹1 crore.
Opposition parties argue that stringent legislation has little value without credible enforcement, timely investigations and convictions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that examination leaks have become systemic and has demanded an apology from the government over police action against protesters. He has also called for Pradhan’s removal, saying responsibility must extend beyond the individuals who obtained or distributed leaked papers.
Nadda rejected the Congress campaign as selective and politically motivated. He said the government was both responsive and responsible, and urged opposition lawmakers to participate in a debate without conditions. Protecting students’ futures, he argued, was a shared responsibility of the government and opposition.
The political deadlock has prevented substantial legislative work as repeated adjournments have consumed the opening days of the session. The Rajya Sabha remained largely non-functional for a third consecutive day, while similar scenes unfolded in the Lok Sabha amid slogan-shouting and demands for an immediate discussion.
(IPA Service)
