Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat demands apology for NEET paper leak crisis

The criticism follows weeks of intense student protests at Jantar Mantar, which culminated in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Bhagat contends that the government’s response lacked humility, suggesting that ministers treated the failure as a non-issue despite the widespread disruption to the national examination system. He explicitly challenged the administration’s refusal to confront the crisis directly, labeling their legislative maneuvers as an attempt to dodge responsibility.

In response to the unrest, the government fast-tracked the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. While the legislation passed through both houses this week, it faced a walkout from Opposition members who claim the bill is a reactive measure designed to suppress public agitation rather than a substantive reform. The Centre maintains that the amendments demonstrate a commitment to strengthening legal safeguards against malpractice, building upon the foundations of the 2024 Act to restore integrity to future examinations.