'Why only selective outrage?': JP Nadda names Congress-ruled states in paper leak row | WATCH

Amid protests by students and opposition leaders over examination paper leaks, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of selectively targeting the Centre while remaining silent on similar incidents in states governed by Congress and its INDIA bloc allies.

Addressing a press conference, Nadda cited multiple instances of alleged examination paper leaks and recruitment exam irregularities across states including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab, Kerala and Karnataka. He argued that the issue was not confined to any one political party or state government.

"This is a fairly long list, which we'll want to discuss whenever it's time. I'd like to ask the LoP Rahul Gandhi, why are you so selective? Why haven't you discussed the UPA and UPA-supported governments? Why have you distanced yourself from them?" Nadda asked, addressing Rahul Gandhi.

He alleged that the Congress leader was attempting to derive political mileage from students' concerns rather than seeking a comprehensive solution.

"This clearly shows that your objective isn't the welfare of students. Your objective is to improve education, improve the quality of education, and ensure justice for students. You're not interested in this. You want to gain political mileage from student issues and demands," Nadda said.

Centre seeks Parliament debate

Nadda said the BJP-led government was prepared for a detailed debate on examination paper leaks during the ongoing Parliament session and would support a discussion of any duration sought by the Opposition.

"We should move beyond blame and counter-allegations. The best forum for this discussion is Parliament, and we are ready," he said.

According to Nadda, the discussion should focus on key issues including:

• Factors leading to examination paper leaks
• Individuals and networks involved
• Steps taken by the Central Government after such incidents
• Measures state governments should adopt
• Long-term reforms to prevent injustice to millions of students

He added that the government was willing to participate in either a short-duration or long-duration discussion, depending on the Opposition's preference.

"We are a responsible government. Let the Opposition put forward its points in Parliament, and we will respond," he said.

Meeting with protesting students

Responding to questions about his interaction with representatives of the protesting students, Nadda said he had asked them to submit their demands in writing.

"They gave me their demands in writing. We had a peaceful discussion, and I assured them that the issues would be discussed in Parliament," he said, adding that no separate negotiations took place later in the day.

On Sonam Wangchuk

Nadda also spoke about his recent meeting with activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying the visit was primarily to inquire about his health after he was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital.

"During our visit, we inquired about his health and well-being. We also requested him to break his fast, join the mainstream, and guide the children in the right direction," Nadda said.

He added that Wangchuk had written him an open letter and that the government would respond before taking discussions forward.

"Our government is open to discussions on all issues and is always willing to address them," he said.