Former Union Minister says Parliament was the right forum for debate; accuses Congress of creating drama instead of seeking solutions
Jalandhar/July 23/Daljeet Ajnoha :Former Union Minister and former Bharatiya Janata Party Punjab President Vijay Sampla on Wednesday accused the Congress of politicising the NEET issue instead of seeking a constructive discussion in Parliament. Addressing a press conference, Sampla said the BJP-led Central Government is committed to protecting students’ interests and ensuring strict action against those responsible for examination irregularities.
Sampla said peaceful protest is a democratic right, but alleged that students were instigated by opposition parties for political gains. He claimed the government was ready to debate the issue in Parliament, but the Congress preferred protests outside to avoid answering questions about paper leaks during its own rule and in states governed by its allies.
Highlighting the Modi government’s focus on education, Sampla said the education budget has increased significantly over the years, with major expansion of institutions such as IITs and AIIMS. On the NEET issue, he said the Centre acted swiftly by registering FIRs, handing over the probe to the CBI, conducting re-tests where required and ensuring fast-track legal proceedings against the accused.
Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party, Sampla questioned its silence over repeated examination scams in Punjab, including alleged irregularities involving the Punjab Public Service Commission, Punjab School Education Board and Baba Farid University. He also accused the Punjab government of double standards by remaining silent over the recent lathi-charge on sanitation workers in Barnala while criticising police action elsewhere.
Urging the Congress to stop politicising students’ concerns, Sampla said the Modi government remains committed to transparency, accountability and ensuring that every guilty person is punished, while safeguarding the future of the country’s youth.
