Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday accused opposition parties of using students as "political tools" amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Singh said that while the government remains committed to addressing the concerns of students, some political parties are attempting to exploit the issue for political gains.
His remarks come as protests over alleged examination irregularities continue in Delhi, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the Centre and reforms in the examination process. The protests have also led to repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session, with both the government and the opposition exchanging sharp criticism over the handling of the issue.
"Students and youth should not be used as political tools. The government is committed to protecting their interests and fulfilling their aspirations."
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Students
Rajnath Singh said the Narendra Modi-led government is fully committed to safeguarding the future of students and ensuring that their concerns are addressed responsibly. He emphasized that the Centre is focused on maintaining transparency in examinations while taking necessary steps to strengthen the education system.
According to Singh, the government understands the aspirations of young people and is determined to resolve genuine issues through constitutional and institutional mechanisms rather than allowing them to become subjects of political confrontation.
Opposition Accused of Creating Unrest
The Defence Minister alleged that certain opposition parties are attempting to create what he described as a "manufactured sense of anger" among students and youth. He argued that these efforts are intended to generate political unrest rather than contribute to meaningful solutions regarding the NEET controversy.
Rajnath Singh said those trying to mislead students through political campaigns would ultimately fail, adding that the government's focus remains on addressing genuine concerns instead of encouraging confrontation.
Parliament Is the Right Forum, Says Rajnath Singh
Calling for constructive political engagement, Singh said that Parliament is the appropriate platform for discussing issues of national importance. He urged opposition leaders to participate in meaningful debates during the ongoing Monsoon Session instead of organizing protests that disrupt parliamentary proceedings.
He maintained that democratic institutions provide adequate opportunities to question the government and seek accountability, stressing that public issues should be resolved through discussion and dialogue within the constitutional framework.
Political Tensions Continue
The NEET controversy has become one of the biggest political flashpoints of the current Parliament session. While opposition parties continue to demand accountability over the alleged examination irregularities and police action against protesters, the government has accused its political rivals of attempting to capitalize on student concerns for electoral advantage.
With protests continuing outside Parliament and repeated disruptions inside both Houses, the issue remains at the center of national political debate. The coming days are expected to witness further discussions as both the government and the opposition continue to press their respective positions.
Conclusion
Rajnath Singh's remarks have added another political dimension to the ongoing NEET row. While the government maintains that students should not be drawn into political battles and has called for discussions within Parliament, opposition parties continue to question the government's handling of the examination controversy. As Parliament remains disrupted and protests continue, the issue is expected to remain a major focus of national politics.