Sitharaman noted that while the paper leaks initially hurt hardworking students, some candidates used the extra time before re-exams to improve their preparations.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s comments on exam paper leaks have sparked a political controversy, with Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticizing her comments and accusing her of being insensitive towards students affected by the issue.
In an interview with the news agency that I, Sitharaman seems to point out that while the paper leak initially affected students who had worked hard for their exams, some candidates used the extra time before retaking the exams to boost their preparation.
“There are guys who come out and say, ‘Yeah, it kind of hurt me at first when the paper leaked. But later I benefited from it and prepared more and my performance improved.” So there are youngsters who have accepted this challenge and come out with bright colours. “With all this, the government is responding, the Prime Minister is responding,” Sitharaman said.
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticized the Finance Minister over her remarks in a social media post.
Sitharaman’s remarks came after Panchul Bansal, All India Rank 2 holder in NEET UG 2026, said he chose to focus on his preparations rather than joining the demonstrations, using the time to improve his performance.
In an interview with NDTV about the paper leak controversy and the ongoing agitation, Bansal said: “I thought the situation was an opportunity to improve my grades. So I thought, why should I go to the protest? Instead, I can study at home and improve my skills and grades.”
CJP hits Sitharaman
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has slammed Sitharaman over her remarks on the NEET paper leak issue, calling her “insensitive” towards students affected by the controversy. Responding to her statement that some students benefited from the NEET retake program and worked harder, Ashutosh Ranka said: “By this logic, every paper in this country should be leaked.”
The party wondered whether the government was “extolling the virtues of paper leaks” rather than taking responsibility for the failure of the exam system.
Sitharaman says the action was taken before the fast-track court was announced
Sitharaman also said that the government had taken action against those involved in leaking and circulating examination papers even before the measures regarding fast track courts were announced.
“In fact, long before today’s announcement to set up fast-track courts and ensure punishments, people who have violated the sanctity of the examination by leaking papers, by buying papers, by selling papers will be extradited – even before this announcement, the government has arrested these people who have already committed this crime,” she told ANI.
She said those involved in the malpractice had endangered the lives of thousands of students for personal gain.
She added: “They are people for selfish reasons who violated, bought and sold papers, and they were all arrested. Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister reassures citizens, mothers and fathers who support their children to make sure they pass these exams because it is their profession.”
Justice and Development Party protests continue
The protests, led by the CJP, demand Pradhan’s resignation over NEET paper leaks, irregularities in the examination system and student suicides.
On their official account on X, the Front stated:
1. Resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
2. $Compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
3. Failure to prosecute peaceful demonstrators.
4. All police officials involved in committing atrocities must be prosecuted.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his 26-day hunger strike late Thursday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
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