Union Health Minister JP Nadda announced on Wednesday that the Central government plans to formally respond to activist Sonam Wangchuk's open letter. Nadda reiterated the government's readiness for an extensive discussion in Parliament regarding the alleged NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) paper leak and other examination irregularities.
Call for Cross-Party Dialogue
During a press conference, Nadda emphasized the need to move beyond political blame games and counter-allegations. He stated that Parliament serves as the most appropriate forum to thoroughly examine the issue and formulate long-term solutions to prevent injustice to millions of students.
"We should move beyond blame and counter-allegations and discuss this. The best medium for discussion is Parliament, and we are ready for that discussion," Nadda affirmed.
He urged for an in-depth parliamentary debate to understand the factors leading to paper leaks, identify those involved, and assess the Central Government's responses.
Engagement with Sonam Wangchuk
Nadda also spoke about his visit, alongside Union Minister Jitendra Singh, to Sonam Wangchuk, who was undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital after an indefinite fast. The ministers inquired about Wangchuk's health and urged him to end his fast and engage constructively.
Referring to Wangchuk's open letter, which requested an assurance of no legal action against protesting students as a condition to end his fast, Nadda confirmed, "Today, he wrote me an open letter. We will respond to that letter, and after responding, we will ensure that the talks move forward."
Counter-Accusations Against Opposition States
In a political critique directed at the Congress party, Nadda highlighted numerous instances of examination paper leaks in states governed by opposition parties. He listed cases in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Nadda questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's selective focus on irregularities in BJP-ruled states, asking, "Why are you so selective? Why haven't you discussed the UPA and UPA-supported governments?" He accused the opposition of attempting to gain political mileage rather than genuinely addressing student welfare.
Openness to Discussion
The minister also mentioned a cordial interaction with representatives of the CJP (presumably a student or activist group), where he encouraged them to submit their demands in writing. He assured them of the government's willingness to discuss the matter whenever they are prepared.
Nadda reiterated the Centre's desire for a parliamentary debate on paper leaks, offering the opposition flexibility in deciding the format and duration of the discussion. "We have wanted it to be discussed in the Parliament. Short duration discussion, long duration discussion, in the Business Advisory Committee, you decide how much time you want to take," he stated, urging the opposition not to "change the goal post."