Amid an uproaring debate over the NEET UG paper leak, the opposition is intensifying attacks on the Modi government. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accuses the government of misleading the youth. Kharge vehemently claims that the Education Ministry's stance of 'irregularities only at certain locations' is deceitful, asserting that millions of youth are being lied to. His criticism extends to the NCERT textbooks, pinning the Centre in his crosshairs.

What did the Centre declare in the affidavit on NEET UG?

Last Friday, the Ministry of Education submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, challenging the plea to cancel the NEET exam. The government argues that alleged discrepancies occurred solely at the Patna and Godhra centers should not be the basis for canceling the entire examination. Individual cases of malpractice and leaks do not mar the whole assessment process, the affidavit stated; annulling the exam would adversely affect the educational trajectory of millions of students. Currently, the CBI investigation of the paper leak case is ongoing. These statements were part of the affidavit filed by Varun Bhardwaj, Director of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education.

Also of interest: 'Only Patna and Godhra centers were compromised', NTA's affidavit in Supreme Court, opposes the cancellation of NEET-UG exam

Outburst of the Congress President by affidavit

Following this, the Congress President voiced his objection on his social media account 'X' (previously on Twitter). 'The Modi government has told the honorable Supreme Court that there was no paper leak in NEET-UG! They are whitewashing lie to millions of youth. Their future is being jeopardized. The Ministry claims that irregularities and cheating have occurred 'only at a few places' — this is misleading. The BJP-RSS have seized the entire education system, bolstering the education mafia. From NCERT textbooks to examination leaks, the Modi government is hell-bent on destroying our educational systems,' he declared. He also reiterated his demand for a NEET UG re-examination and an investigation into the paper leak scandals under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

Another read: NEET PG 2024 Exam Date announced, exams scheduled in two shifts

Supreme Court to conduct significant hearing on July 8

The NEET paper leak case, the demands for exam cancellation, and petitions regarding irregularities are set for a hearing in the Supreme Court on July 8. After a petition by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the apex court will conduct a combined hearing for all NEET-related petitions. The countless NEET aspirants, parents, and coaching teachers nationwide are all eyes on this hearing. Presiding over the bench, Chief Justice of India (CJI) leads with Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra.

Please note, in its last three hearings, the Supreme Court has declined to place a moratorium on NEET UG counseling. The extensive hearing on the NEET UG case is scheduled for July 8, whereas the counselings are set to commence on July 6.