‘Repeated examination controversies reflect a systemic collapse in the country’s education administration’
NEW DELHI — The controversy surrounding the NEET paper leak escalated into a full-blown political confrontation on Monday after the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) linked the suicide of a young aspirant in Delhi to the examination scandal and demanded the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Intensifying the Opposition’s attack on the Narendra Modi government over repeated examination irregularities, Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib visited the residence of Anshika, a NEET aspirant who allegedly died by suicide after reports of the examination paper leak and uncertainty surrounding the examination process.
The tragic incident has added a human face to the growing outrage over alleged failures in the conduct of national competitive examinations, with Opposition parties accusing the BJP-led government of jeopardising the future of lakhs of students.
Youth Congress workers visited the residence of Anshika, a NEET aspirant who allegedly died by suicide, in Model Town, New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the student’s residence in Model Town, Chib accused the government of “criminal negligence” and said the recurring paper leak scandals had shattered the confidence of students preparing for highly competitive examinations.
“This grave sin, which forces the nation’s children to take their own lives, will not be tolerated,” Chib said, launching a direct attack on the Education Ministry.
According to Chib, when he arrived at the residence, Anshika’s parents were not present at home. He said he gathered details from neighbours and later spoke to the family over the phone.
Describing the family’s socio-economic condition, the Youth Congress leader said the student belonged to a poor household and lived with her parents in a small rented room.
“She was a child from a poor family. When she came to know that the paper had allegedly leaked and the examination process had become uncertain, she fell into deep depression. Today she is no longer with us,” he said.
Chib further alleged that the bereaved family was facing “pressure”, though he did not elaborate on who was allegedly exerting it. He assured the family of legal and organisational support from the Youth Congress.
Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress President Akshay Lakra was also present during the visit.
The Congress-affiliated youth organisation sought to politically corner the government by branding Pradhan as the “Leak Education Minister,” arguing that repeated examination controversies under his tenure reflected a systemic collapse in the country’s education administration.
Demanding accountability, Chib said, “The ‘Leak’ Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, must be dismissed immediately, and those responsible for ruining the future of students must face strict punishment. We will ensure justice for Anshika.”
The NEET controversy has rapidly transformed from an examination management issue into a wider political battle, with Opposition parties accusing the Centre of failing to protect the integrity of the country’s education system. Student organisations and youth wings of several parties have intensified protests in recent weeks, alleging that paper leaks, irregularities and administrative lapses are destroying merit and deepening anxiety among aspirants.
The BJP government, meanwhile, has maintained that strict action is being taken against those involved in examination-related malpractices and that reforms are being introduced to strengthen the testing system.
