NEET Paper Leak Scandal: Bihar Connections Spark BJP-Opposition Blame Game

A political dispute has erupted over alleged irregularities in the NEET medical entrance exam. The BJP leaders have accused INDIA bloc leader Tejashwi Yadav of being linked to the paper leak, while the Opposition has criticized the BJP for the UGC-NET and NEET fiasco, arguing that the examination process in the country is failing.

Thirteen individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak investigation.

BJP Alleges Tejashwi Yadav’s Involvement

On Thursday, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha claimed that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav’s associate was involved in the alleged paper leaks and malpractice in the NEET-UG 2024 exam. Sinha alleged that Pritam Kumar, an aide to Tejashwi Yadav, contacted an employee of the Bihar Road Construction Department (RCD) to book a room for Sikandar Prasad Yadavendu. Yadavendu, an engineer, had previously revealed the alleged involvement of a ‘Mantri Ji’ in the entrance exam controversy.

Sikandar Prasad Yadavendu claimed that he had recommended accommodations for his nephew, Anurag Yadav—a NEET aspirant—along with Anurag’s mother and other accomplices, at a government bungalow in Patna. Anurag Yadav has since been arrested in connection with the exam irregularities.

BJP minister Giriraj Singh also implicated Tejashwi Yadav in the paper leak scandal, asserting that “corruption is in RJD’s DNA.”

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Political Slugfest

The allegations have ignited a fierce political confrontation. BJP leader Amit Malviya tweeted, “Third Time Fail Rahul Gandhi’s ally Tejashwi Yadav’s close aide is responsible for the NEET paper leak. His sister Priyanka Vadra is accused of providing cover to the RJD scam by posting video of fraud Arushi Patel, to deflect. And he has the gall to lecture the government. That is some entitlement.”

Malviya referred to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sharing a video of NEET candidate Arushi Patel, who claimed discrepancies in her exam results. However, the Allahabad High Court ruled on Wednesday that Patel had submitted forged documents.

Opposition’s Counterattack

Opposition parties have targeted the BJP-led NDA government over the paper leak scandal. The Congress, the Samajwadi Party, and the Trinamool Congress argued that the examination process in the country has collapsed and blamed the BJP for the current situation.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi mocked Prime Minister Modi, saying, “It was being said that Modi ji stopped the Russia-Ukraine war. But for some reason, Narendra Modi has not been able to stop or doesn’t want to stop paper leaks in India.”