ITANAGAR, 23 Jul: Agriculture & Allied Minister Gabriel D Wangsu said that both the government and the students of the country want a transparent and constructive debate, but the opposition is allegedly avoiding such discussions and instead disrupting parliamentary proceedings.

Wangsu said this during a state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) convened press conference on the issue of the NEET paper leak controversy at the party’s state head office here on Thursday.

While reiterating the party’s demand for a detailed discussion on the NEET and related issues in the Parliament, Wangsu said that the government is open to all suggestions from the opposition regarding reforms in the examination system, and urged them to participate responsibly in the democratic process.

He criticised the Congress party, stating that it is attempting to mislead the youths for political gains after being repeatedly rejected by the people. He asserted that the BJP would not allow the dignity and future of students to be compromised.

He further questioned why Rahul Gandhi is avoiding a constructive discussion on the NEET issue in the Parliament, stating that this is a matter of utmost importance concerning the future of the nation’s youth.

“It is not the time for political opportunism but for finding solutions to students’ problems,” Wangsu said, and alleged that Gandhi and the Congress party are attempting to politicise the issue, rather than engage in meaningful discussions.

He emphasised that, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the welfare of students remains the highest priority. “The Government of India is committed to ensuring that anyone found guilty of playing with the future of students will face strict action,” he added, and informed that the prime minister has directed the establishment of fast-track courts for swift disposal of cases related to paper leaks.

“This step aims to ensure strict and time-bound punishment for the culprits and is part of a series of decisive actions taken to safeguard the interests of students,” he informed.

Highlighting the government’s actions, he said that “several arrests have been made in connection with paper leak cases, and multiple examinations have been conducted successfully with enhanced security measures in recent times.”

On the education sector, Wangsu pointed out the significant increase in the education budget under the present government – from Rs 8,225 crore during the UPA era to Rs 1.39 lakh crore today – along with substantial expansion in institutions such as AIIMS, IITs, and higher education seats across the country.

Wangsu reiterated that the BJP-led government is committed to finding a permanent and effective solution to prevent examination malpractices and to protect the aspirations of millions of students across India.

State BJP general secretaries Tadar Niglar and Junty Singpho were present during the press conference, according to a state BJP release.