Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 23: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ongoing NEET paper leak controversy, accusing the government of failing to protect the future of the country's youth.

His remarks came after PM Modi announced that the Centre would establish fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.

Reacting to the Prime Minister's statement, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the education system had been "captured and destroyed" and accused the government of shielding those responsible.

"You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system — and protected every person responsible for it," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.

The Congress leader also highlighted the demands of protesting students, including accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system and action against those responsible for paper leaks.

Earlier, PM Modi said the welfare and future of students remained the government's top priority and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to jeopardise the future of young people.

"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

He added that directions had been issued to concerned authorities to take necessary steps regarding paper leaks, describing the move as part of the government's efforts to safeguard students' interests.

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar continues over the alleged NEET paper leak and the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protest, which began on June 20, is seeking accountability over alleged irregularities in examinations, education reforms and compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the paper leak controversy.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike, said on Wednesday that he would end his fast if the Centre assured that no punitive action or FIRs would be initiated against protesting students and youth.

Wangchuk is currently admitted at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after being shifted from Safdarjung Hospital following a Delhi High Court order.