Key Highlights

• BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said he chose not to comment publicly on the NEET paper leak until a legislative solution was brought before Parliament.
• He said his shift from the Opposition to the treasury benches has changed his responsibilities from questioning the government to helping frame solutions.
• Chadha described paper leaks as a "chronic disease" that should not be viewed through a political lens.
• He expressed support for students affected by the NEET paper leak and urged all parties to back anti-paper leak legislation.
• The MP also criticised alleged examination irregularities in Punjab and Karnataka while calling for bipartisan action.

Raghav Chadha Explains Why He Stayed Silent

Speaking during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha, Raghav Chadha addressed questions over why he had not publicly commented on the NEET paper leak controversy earlier.

He said that during his time in the Opposition, his responsibility was to raise issues affecting citizens. However, after joining the treasury benches, he believes his role has shifted toward helping develop policy solutions rather than making public statements.

"Earlier, when I was in the Opposition, it was my job to raise questions... Now I am on the treasury benches, so my responsibility is to provide solutions."

Chadha added that he intentionally waited to speak until Parliament was considering reforms aimed at addressing examination fraud.

Says Students' Anger Is Justified

During his speech, Chadha acknowledged the frustration of students affected by the NEET paper leak.

He said aspirants invest years of preparation, relocate to coaching hubs such as Kota and Delhi, and make significant personal and financial sacrifices in pursuit of medical education.

Addressing students, he said:

"Your anger is justified. Your emotions are justified. Your pain is justified."

He argued that restoring trust in the examination system should be the priority.

Praises Government's Response

Chadha credited the Narendra Modi-led government with responding to concerns raised by students.

According to Chadha, the government introduced a comprehensive legal framework to tackle paper leaks and accelerated the investigation into the NEET case.

He also said:

• The investigation progressed quickly.
• A chargesheet was filed in a fast-track court within 75 days.
• Future NEET examinations would move toward a computer-based format instead of relying on OMR sheets.

Authorities have announced reforms to strengthen examination security, while implementation timelines for individual measures will be determined by the relevant agencies.

'Paper Leaks Are a Chronic Disease'

The BJP MP said examination fraud should not become a partisan political issue.

According to Chadha, accountability should apply regardless of which political party governs a state.

He argued that restoring public confidence in competitive examinations requires cooperation across party lines.

Criticises Alleged Exam Irregularities in States

During his speech, Chadha referred to alleged recruitment examination irregularities in Punjab, claiming that organised cheating networks had assisted candidates during a pharmacy recruitment examination.

He also referred to an alleged SSLC paper leak in Karnataka, arguing that examination malpractice has affected multiple states governed by different political parties.

These allegations have been raised in the political debate, and investigations or official proceedings, where applicable, continue under the relevant authorities.

Calls for Bipartisan Support

Chadha urged all political parties to support the proposed anti-paper leak legislation.

He said stronger legal safeguards would help:

• Protect honest students.
• Improve transparency.
• Restore public confidence in recruitment and entrance examinations.
• Strengthen accountability against organised examination fraud.

Why This Matters

The NEET paper leak has become one of the country's most significant education controversies, triggering widespread debate over examination integrity and accountability. As Parliament considers stronger anti-paper leak legislation, the discussion has expanded beyond political criticism to include long-term reforms aimed at improving the security and credibility of India's competitive examination system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Raghav Chadha remain silent on the NEET paper leak?

Chadha said he wanted to speak only when Parliament was considering concrete reforms rather than merely making public statements.

What did he say about students?

He said the anger and frustration of students affected by the NEET paper leak were justified.

What changes did Chadha mention?

He highlighted the government's anti-paper leak legislation, the expedited investigation and the proposed transition toward computer-based NEET examinations.

What did Chadha say about paper leaks?

He described paper leaks as a "chronic disease" that should be addressed collectively rather than through partisan politics.

What was his appeal to Parliament?

He urged all political parties to support the proposed legislation to strengthen examination security and protect students.