Modi also stated in the social media post that this is part of a series of steps government took so far to hold paper leaks culprits accountable
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing on Thursday to set up fast-track courts for “swift and stringent punishment” to those involved in exam leaks which pushed agitated students to participate at Jantar Mantar protest, the government intensified attempts to defuse the crisis by repeatedly reaching out to opposition as well as protestors for having discussion in parliament and outside with Cockroach Janta Party functionaries respectively.“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!” the Prime Minister posted on X early on Thursday. “We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. I have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard,” in his direct outreach to youth, two days after he had reacted for the first time on the issue calling it a “grave sin” while speaking NDA parliamentary party meeting.Modi also stated in the social media post that this is part of a series of steps government took so far to hold paper leaks culprits accountable. “This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” he promised.Protestors and the Social Media Platform Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) functionaries rejected Modi’s proposal, sticking to their demand of the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan first and the court trial can follow.As a response to PM’s reachout, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke shared an image of Pradhan bearing the caption , “Hi, my name is nothing”. The CJP reiterated, “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign” while its national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka welcomed Modi’s response but said it came after nearly one-and-a-half months of protests and did not answer the central question behind repeated paper leaks.“anxieties and concerns”Meanwhile, Veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi came out in support of the protesting students, with an explicit post on X. Seconding their “anxieties and concerns” regarding the examination system as “genuine,” Joshi criticised police crackdown against protesting students, especially girls, calling it “merciless”.“It is painful to see young students from different parts of the country assembled for days on the streets of New Delhi. Their anxieties and concerns regarding the examination system are genuine and must be handled with empathy and a desire to find a lasting solution,” Joshi said in a post on X.“It is very painful to see that even young girls were brutally mishandled,” he wrote, adding that use of force shall alienate large sections of Indian society from the national goal of Viksit Bharat.“I fervently hope that this is not treated merely as a law-and-order issue to be tackled through the use of force,” the former Union minister added.Trouble shooters from the government, Union Ministers JP Nadda, Kiren Rijuju and Jitendra Singh, were busy at work to break the stalemate between the ruling dispensation and combined front of protestors and opposition.Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijuju said the government is hopeful of finding a resolution through discussions with the Congress and other Opposition colleagues, especially since the Prime Minister made it abundantly clear on Thursday that complete measures are being taken to safeguard the lives and security of students and youth.Speaking to reporters, Rijiju reiterated his earlier charge that he had reached out to Opposition members across party lines to facilitate a structured debate. But the Opposition began offering “excuses” to stall proceedings.“Today, we hoped to initiate a debate on the NEET exam paper leak. Yesterday, we held talks with several leaders from opposition parties, as well as leaders across party lines, and everyone agreed on finding a way forward. However, as time progressed, they began imposing conditions again and making various excuses. Still, by evening, we were hopeful of finding a resolution through discussions with the Congress and other Opposition colleagues, especially since the Prime Minister made it abundantly clear today that complete measures are being taken to safeguard the lives and security of students and youth, and that no laxity or compromise will be tolerated,” Rijiju said.Parallelly, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the central government has reiterated its commitment to dialogue, stating that it has extended multiple formal invitations to student representatives for discussions.“humble appeal”“I would like to appeal to the students and young friends participating in this protest to come forward for a dialogue. Our doors are open,” he made a “humble appeal” on behalf of the government.He said the discussion with the protesting students’ representatives will be held under the leadership of Union Health Minister and senior BJP leader J P Nadda. “The meeting can take place either at Nadda ji’s official residence or at his office. The choice is yours (students’ representatives). I will also be present,” he said.Parliament proceedings remained stalled for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday with opposition unwilling to budge on its demand of sacking Pradhan from the union cabinet.Published on July 23, 2026
