PTC Web Desk: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Centre of failing students, claiming that 152 examination paper leaks have taken place across the country over the last 10 years without a single conviction.

Wearing a black armband during his address, Rahul Gandhi said the country's education system is facing a serious crisis and alleged that students and their families are paying the price for repeated failures in conducting fair examinations.

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Rahul Gandhi also criticised the police action against protesters demanding accountability over examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He questioned why students protesting peacefully were being detained and alleged that they were being mistreated instead of being heard. According to Rahul Gandhi, the Education Minister should step down, claiming he has failed to address the growing concerns over exam paper leaks.

Comments after protest near PM's residence

His remarks came a day after he was detained by the Delhi Police during a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. The demonstration was organised over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police action against protesters.

Visuals from the protest showed Rahul Gandhi being taken away by police personnel. Speaking later, he said the attention should remain on the concerns of students rather than on how he was treated during the protest.

"The issue is not me. The issue is the future of students who deserve a fair and transparent education system," Rahul Gandhi said.

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The Congress leader said repeated paper leaks have caused severe stress among students who spend years preparing for competitive examinations. He claimed that several students have been pushed into depression, while some have even taken their own lives after examination irregularities shattered their hopes.

He alleged that nearly 7.5 crore students and their families, particularly those from middle-class and economically weaker backgrounds, have been affected by recurring paper leaks.

He said families invest their savings in their children's education, only to see their efforts go to waste when examination papers are leaked.

Calls it a systemic failure

Calling the issue a national crisis, Rahul Gandhi claimed that an average of one major paper leak has occurred every month over the last decade. He alleged that despite 152 reported leaks, there has not been a single conviction, raising questions over accountability.

He added that students protesting across the country are simply demanding a fair examination system and action against those responsible.

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The BJP strongly criticised Rahul Gandhi's protest, calling it "childish" and accusing the Congress leader of trying to create unrest while Parliament is in session. The ruling party also organised a counter-protest and defended the government's handling of the issue, accusing the Congress of attempting to politicise the matter.