Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday explained why he had remained silent on the NEET paper leak controversy, saying the issue required institutional reforms rather than "media soundbites". Speaking during the debate on the anti-paper leak bill, the former AAP leader said his responsibilities had changed after moving from the Opposition to the treasury benches, with his focus now shifting from raising questions to offering solutions.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Chadha said many had asked why he had not commented on the NEET paper leak. He said that while he was in the Opposition, his duty was to question the government on issues affecting citizens, a responsibility he fulfilled sincerely. However, after joining the treasury benches, he now considers it his role to contribute solutions instead.
"Earlier, when I was in the Opposition, it was my job to raise questions, and I did it honestly. Now I am on the treasury benches, so my role has changed. My responsibility is no longer to ask questions but to provide solutions," he said.
Chadha added that he was not interested in making headlines or speaking merely for publicity, but wanted to address the issue only when a concrete solution was available. He said he had resolved to speak in Parliament only when meaningful reforms were being introduced, describing the day as a historic step towards fixing the system.
The 37-year-old MP also addressed students affected by the NEET controversy, saying their frustration, emotions and anger were completely justified. He noted that for many aspirants, clearing NEET represents a pathway to a better future for their families.
Explaining his remarks, Chadha said students often relocate to cities such as Kota and Delhi, sacrifice their social and family lives, and depend on parents who make financial sacrifices to pay for coaching, all with the hope of succeeding in the examination.
He further claimed that the NDA government responded promptly to students' concerns, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi acted like a guardian by initiating reforms.
According to Chadha, the government introduced a comprehensive framework to tackle paper leaks after listening to students' concerns.
He also said the investigation into the NEET paper leak had been fast-tracked, noting that a chargesheet was filed in a fast-track court within 75 days and that the probe was completed without unnecessary delays.
Chadha announced that future NEET examinations would be conducted through a computer-based testing system instead of OMR sheets.
During his speech, the BJP MP said paper leaks should not be viewed through a political lens, describing them as a chronic problem affecting the examination system. He argued that accountability and ethics should take precedence over political considerations, regardless of which party governs a state or where a paper leak occurs.
He also criticised his former party, referring to alleged irregularities in the Punjab Pharmacy Officer recruitment examination held on July 19. Chadha claimed candidates used Bluetooth devices to cheat during the test and alleged that an organised racket charged aspirants up to Rs 13 lakh to facilitate malpractice.
He further alleged that several recruitment examination controversies had surfaced in Punjab since the AAP came to power.
Taking aim at the Congress as well, Chadha cited the alleged SSLC paper leak in Karnataka earlier this year, claiming question papers had been sold to students for Rs 200 each.
Concluding his speech, Chadha appealed for bipartisan support for the proposed anti-paper leak legislation, saying it was essential to restore public confidence in the examination system and safeguard the interests of hardworking students.
