Rajeev Chandrasekhar warns students against ‘vested interests’

Rajeev Chandrasekhar urged students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak to remain peaceful and avoid violence, saying accountability, investigation and reforms were essential while insisting Parliament was the appropriate forum to debate the issue

Thiruvananthapuram: BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday urged students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak not to fall into the “trap” of vested interests or resort to violence, saying the matter should be debated in Parliament.

Addressing a press conference here, Chandrasekhar said students had every right to protest over the issue and seek accountability from those responsible for the alleged paper leak, but urged them to ensure their agitation remained democratic.

Describing the alleged paper leak as a “crime” that had shaken students’ confidence, he said a thorough investigation, accountability and systemic reforms were necessary.

“The students have every right to ask who committed this crime, how it happened and to demand accountability. Those responsible must be sent to jail. But they should not become part of violence or anarchy,” he said.

Chandrasekhar said paper leaks, whether in the NEET examination or any other test, affected students’ futures and eroded trust in the education system. The BJP leader said the Centre had responded by ordering a re-examination, initiating a CBI probe and introducing reforms, including the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Claiming that paper leaks were not a new phenomenon and had occurred in several states over the years, Chandrasekhar said corruption in the examination system must be addressed irrespective of where it occurred.

He highlighted the Narendra Modi government’s initiatives for the youth, such as skill development, startup promotion and the expansion of educational opportunities, while alleging that a false narrative was being created portraying the BJP as being against young people.

Without naming any organisation, Chandrasekhar alleged that certain vested interests were exploiting the students’ agitation to pursue political objectives and divert attention from the core issue of the examination paper leak.

“This is a democracy; this is not China, nor is it a dictatorship. Anarchy is not what is needed here. I appeal to the students-do not fall into their trap. Parliament is the proper forum to debate all this. Engage with the Government of India and your political representatives,” he said.

“But do not resort to violence, do not become part of violence, and do not give space to anarchy in a democracy,” he added. He criticised the Congress, alleging that its leadership remained silent after the NEET controversy surfaced and became active only after the Parliament session began.

Chandrasekhar questioned the protest held near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, alleging that demonstrators had breached the security perimeter around the PM’s residence. “Parliament is the proper forum to debate such issues. Students should not be dragged into violence or lawlessness in the name of protest,” he said.

Chandrasekhar also criticised Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan for participating in the protest, alleging that a constitutional functionary should not be part of a demonstration that violated security restrictions.