The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) engaged in a sharp exchange of accusations on Thursday following the arrest of Santosh Kumar Jaiswal, who is allegedly linked to the NEET-UG paper leak case and claimed to be associated with the RJD. The Delhi Police arrested Jaiswal, a resident of East Champaran, who is purportedly a former national secretary of the RJD. He is accused of defrauding students and their guardians by promising medical college admissions and access to NEET question papers in exchange for sums ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.
Background of the controversy
Earlier, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of shielding criminals after the NEET examination was cancelled due to the paper leak controversy. Tejashwi stated, "Exam papers are leaked repeatedly, and the NDA government is playing with the future of over 2 million students."
BJP's reaction
Reacting to the arrest, BJP spokesperson Kuntal Krishna targeted the RJD and alleged that the party has a history of protecting corrupt elements. Kuntal said, "The party whose national president was in jail under charges of corruption, whose basic philosophy is to patronise corruption, and where all kinds of criminals and scamsters get patronage is called the RJD. Delhi Police arrested Santosh, who used to dupe innocent students on the pretext of providing them with the NEET examination question paper, and he is alleged to be the kingpin of the gang."
RJD's counterattack
The RJD rejected the BJP's allegations and claimed that Santosh had long been removed from the party after his alleged activities surfaced elsewhere. RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan said, "Who else but the government is responsible for the paper leak of such an important exam? In fact, the BJP is diverting people's attention as the NEET paper leak has roots in former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's home district Nalanda as well as in other BJP-ruled states like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Take action against anyone found guilty." Gagan added, "In fact, BJP leaders' names are cropping up in this paper leak, and just to divert the issue, the BJP is playing the blame game."
Political implications
The arrest has intensified the political battle between the two parties ahead of upcoming elections. The NEET-UG paper leak has become a major issue, with both sides seeking to capitalise on public outrage. The RJD has demanded a thorough investigation, while the BJP has called for strict action against all those involved, regardless of political affiliation. The controversy also highlights the ongoing tussle between the ruling NDA and the opposition over governance and accountability.
