Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the opposition is avoiding a parliamentary debate on the NEET paper leak and related legislation.
The dispute highlights a growing rift between the government and opposition parties over the transparency of national examinations and the legislative response to cheating scandals.
Speaking outside the Parliament building in New Delhi, Rijiju said he was disappointed with the Congress party and other opposition groups. He said the government remains ready for a formal discussion, but the opposition has instead chosen to avoid the floor of the house [1, 2].
"I am totally frustrated," Rijiju said [2].
The minister specifically targeted the Congress party regarding the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 [3]. He said the opposition is attempting to divert public attention away from the specific allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak and the government's proposed legal remedies [1, 2].
According to Rijiju, the opposition's refusal to engage in parliamentary debate is contradictory to their public protests. He referenced the Jantar Mantar protest site, suggesting a disconnect between the opposition's street activism and their legislative participation [1, 2].
"It is unthinkable that the government is ready for discussion while the opposition runs away," Rijiju said [1].
He said that the Congress is avoiding debate on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 [3]. The bill aims to address the systemic issues that allow for the leaking of high-stakes examination papers [3].
“"I am totally frustrated"”
This clash reflects a strategic struggle over the narrative of examination integrity in India. By pushing for a parliamentary debate, the government seeks to frame its 2026 amendment bill as the definitive solution to paper leaks, while the opposition's avoidance suggests a preference for public protest and external pressure over legislative negotiation.
