Jaipur: BJP state chief Madan Rathore strongly rejected allegations made by former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot regarding the NEET paper leak controversy, stating that Gehlot appears to be misinformed and is making baseless accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party without factual evidence.
Rathore clarified that the accused individual being referred to has no association with the Bharatiya Janata Party as a party worker and asserted that merely appearing in a photograph with someone cannot be treated as proof of political affiliation.
Reiterating the party’s “Zero Tolerance” policy against corruption and paper leaks, he emphasised that the Bharatiya Janata Party is not attempting to shield anyone.
Rathore further stated that preliminary information suggests the paper leak originated in Kerala and spread to other states via social media, while no direct connection to Rajasthan has surfaced in the investigation so far.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the alleged NEET examination paper leak, Rathore stated that the Central Government acted swiftly and sensitively to safeguard students’ interests, including taking the significant decision to cancel the examination.
He said the matter is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the culprits will not be spared under any circumstances.
Reaffirming the Bharatiya Janata Party’s stand against corruption and examination-related malpractices, Rathore emphasised that the party follows a strict “Zero Tolerance” policy towards crimes such as paper leaks and corruption.
“No matter how influential or well-connected a person may be, the law will take its course, and the guilty will face stringent punishment,” he said, adding that the accused individual concerned has already been arrested.
Responding to allegations made by former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Rathore remarked that Gehlot appears to be misinformed and is attempting to level baseless allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party.
He clarified that the individual being referred to is not associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party as a party worker.
“In public life, it is common for individuals to be photographed with a variety of people. It is inappropriate to establish political affiliation solely on the basis of a photograph. Let me make it clear that we are not attempting to shield anyone,” Rathore asserted.
The Bharatiya Janata Party State President further stated that, according to preliminary information, the paper leak originated in Kerala before spreading to other states via social media.
He noted that no direct connection involving Rajasthan has emerged in the investigation so far.
Commending the Central Government and the National Testing Agency, Rathore described the decision to cancel the examination and announce a re-examination even before the declaration of results as a bold and student-centric step.
He further informed that students will neither be required to submit fresh applications nor pay any additional fees for the re-examination.
The test will be conducted at the same examination centres originally allotted to candidates, ensuring convenience and fairness for students.
Expressing concern over the functioning of certain coaching institutes, Rathore said that while providing education and guidance is a commendable service, it becomes deeply troubling if some institutions act as channels for securing selection through unethical means rather than merit.
He stressed the need for serious deliberation and the implementation of stricter regulatory and accountability mechanisms for coaching institutes.
Rathore reiterated that ensuring transparency in the education system and safeguarding the future of the youth remain the Bharatiya Janata Party government’s highest priorities, and that no form of irregularity or malpractice will be tolerated.
(IANS)
