The political battle over the NEET controversy intensified on Wednesday, with the Centre launching a strong rebuttal to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the government's handling of alleged examination paper leaks.

Union Minister JP Nadda accused Gandhi of presenting a one-sided picture by highlighting alleged irregularities under BJP-led governments while overlooking similar incidents in states governed by the Congress and its allies.

Nadda cited alleged examination leaks in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand, where governments involving the Congress or its allies are in power. He questioned why Gandhi had not raised those cases while attacking the Centre over the broader issue of paper leaks.

The Union minister alleged that Gandhi's focus was driven by political considerations rather than a genuine effort to improve the education system or protect students.

Nadda said the government was ready for a detailed debate in Parliament on the NEET controversy and urged the Opposition to use the legislature as a platform to examine the causes of paper leaks, identify those responsible and discuss measures to prevent such incidents.

He said a comprehensive discussion should also examine how governments at both the Centre and state level respond to examination fraud and what reforms are required to ensure that students are not unfairly affected.

Nadda Repeats Government's Offer For Parliament Debate

Nadda called on Opposition parties to move away from political accusations and participate in a detailed parliamentary discussion.

He said lawmakers should collectively examine the circumstances behind paper leaks, investigate the networks involved and assess the steps taken by authorities whenever such cases come to light.

The minister also appealed for a long-term solution to protect millions of students who depend on competitive examinations for their education and careers.

Rahul Gandhi Intensifies Attack On Centre

The Centre's response came a day after Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders staged a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence following clashes during the Cockroach Janta Party's agitation against alleged NEET irregularities.

Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders were detained after the demonstration. The Congress maintained that its protest was aimed at demanding accountability over the police action against students and pressing for a discussion on examination-related concerns.

While in detention, Gandhi listed several demands, including the removal of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, action against police personnel accused of assaulting students, withdrawal of cases against protesters, an apology from the Prime Minister and a parliamentary debate on the issue. He also called for wider reforms in the education system.

On Wednesday, Gandhi further escalated his criticism of the government, alleging that the country's examination system had been compromised under the current administration.

He demanded Pradhan's resignation and cited figures that, according to him, pointed to more than 150 paper leaks over the past decade. Gandhi argued that the scale of the alleged leaks had affected millions of students and questioned the lack of convictions in such cases.

Delhi HC Seeks Records In Police Action Case

The controversy has also moved into the courts. The Delhi High Court, while hearing petitions alleging excessive use of force against students during protests, has sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police.

The court has also directed authorities to preserve relevant evidence, including CCTV recordings and other video footage, as the allegations of police action against protesters are examined.

With the government offering a parliamentary debate and the Opposition continuing to demand accountability and resignations, the NEET controversy is set to remain a major political flashpoint.