Rahul, Kejriwal slam Centre’s Telegram ban ahead of NEET-UG re-exam
Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal question the Centre’s temporary Telegram ban ahead of the NEET-UG re-exam, calling it ineffective against paper leak networks
The Centre’s decision to temporarily ban the Telegram messaging app ahead of the scheduled NEET-UG re-examination has been questioned by the Opposition, which accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of resorting to theatrics and having no intention of stopping the leaks of question papers.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi dubbed the ban the “Modi Government’s New Trick” asking whether it could prevent paper leaks. He further alleged that the Centre, instead of nabbing the perpetrators of the NEET-UG paper leak, was imposing arbitrary restrictions on candidates.
Rahul questions Telegram ban
The Congress MP also said that the Centre’s bid to prevent paper leaks by temporarily banning Telegram was not “foolproof,” as he wondered whether WhatsApp was next in line to face government restrictions.
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“ ‘Telegram Ban’ - Modi Government’s New Trick to Stop Paper Leaks. Meaning, instead of catching the thief, just hang a lock on the victim’s door. Millions of students have been studying on Telegram for years - notes, test series, discussions, preparation. How does snatching that facility become the solution to paper leaks?” stated Rahul in a post on X.
Referring to the heavy security arrangement for the re-examination, Rahul said that “there won’t be any shortage of theatrics” as he urged the Prime Minister to “drop the theatrics.”
'Strike at the mafia'
“On exam day, students will be frisked. Pockets will be cut open with scissors. Question papers will be sent via the Air Force. There won’t be any shortage of theatrics. But not a single strike at the root of the disease - because the paper leak mafia is thriving under this very government’s watch, and making the youth cry tears of blood. Modi Ji - drop the theatrics. Strike at the mafia, not the students,” he added.
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AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister alleged that the Modi government was not keen on stopping the paper leaks, adding that was the reason why it was taking “such absurd steps.”
Kejriwal joins criticism
“The Modi government has no intention of stopping paper leaks. That’s why such absurd steps are being taken. Transporting papers via army ships, shutting down Telegram. Will these steps stop paper leaks? Absolutely not,” stated Kejriwal in a post on X.
“The paper leak business is a multi-billion-rupee racket. The money goes all the way to the top. If paper leaks are stopped, where will the money come from to buy MLAs/MPs?” he added.