'Sack First. Then Tweet': PM Modi's statement draws sharp criticism from students, CJP and opposition

What appeared to be the Centre's attempt to reassure students with the announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases instead triggered a fresh wave of criticism, with opposition leaders, student protesters and social media users saying the move 'fell short of addressing their core demands'. It comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government will set up fast-track courts to ensure the speedy disposal of paper leak cases. He asserted that those responsible for jeopardising the future of the country's youth will face stringent punishment. The announcement, made in a post on X, comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and growing pressure on the Centre over the NEET controversy. NEET UG counselling date LIVE updates.

"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth," Modi said. However, the announcement drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders, who said the decision did not address their core demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students and accountability for the alleged police action against peaceful protesters.

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Meanwhile, the protest at Jantar Mantar continues, with demonstrators saying they will not call off the agitation until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says he is down with fever and severe body pain and will return to the protest site by the evening after taking a few hours of rest.

Opposition rejects assurances

Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi had "allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction" of India's education system while protecting those responsible for it. CJP leaders and supporters joined the criticism, arguing that the Prime Minister's announcement fails to address accountability.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the government did not need "platitudes or piecemeal announcements", alleging that students protesting examination irregularities had been lathi-charged and subjected to excessive police force. Asking the Prime Minister to "look into the eyes" of the youth who bled on the streets, Kharge said the students were seeking only three things. He also questioned where young people should go when "all doors are shut", referring to unemployment and the alleged decline of the education system.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed the Prime Minister's post showed that the government was "shaken and rattled" by the protests, while K C Venugopal termed the announcement an "eyewash", saying students would not settle for anything less than the fulfilment of their demands.

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Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera said the announcement amounted to a "performative" response and argued that resigning Dharmendra Pradhan would be the right place to begin fixing accountability. Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra alleged that the government had damaged education system.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia also questioned the announcement, asking why, according to him, only lower-level offenders would face punishment while senior officials remained untouched. He alleged that the government was shielding those at the top instead of fixing accountability.

PM Modi's tweet also drew a response from Neha, one of the three activists on an indefinite hunger strike alongside Sonam Wangchuk. In a post on X, she questioned why Pradhan, the National Testing Agency (NTA), the BJP's youth wing (BYJM) and those associated with the National Education Policy had allegedly been "spared". She demanded action against all those responsible for the examination controversies.

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Social media flooded with posters, memes

PM Modi's post also triggered a flood of responses from students, educators and social media users. While some welcomed the decision to establish fast-track courts, many criticised the timing of the announcement, calling it delayed. Many social media users echoed the opposition's demand.

Meanwhile, the controversy continued to disrupt Parliament. Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon after opposition parties insisted that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign before any discussion on NEET paper leak. While ministers including Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready for a discussion on the issue, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge maintained that Pradhan's resignation was a prerequisite for any debate. It led to another round of disruptions in the House.

(With PTI inputs)