*Probe Jharkhand Exam Irregularities Through CBI, Those Politicising NEET Must Also Speak on State Government: Raghubar Das*

*Ranchi:* Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister *Raghubar Das* on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Jharkhand government over alleged irregularities, paper leaks and corruption in competitive examinations, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

Addressing a press conference, Das alleged that political parties, including the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Left parties, were politicising the NEET issue at the national level while remaining silent on what he described as large-scale irregularities affecting students in Jharkhand.

Questioning the Congress leadership, Das asked why Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress had not sought accountability from the Jharkhand government despite allegations of corruption in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). "If they are genuinely concerned about students, why are they not demanding the resignation of those responsible in Jharkhand?" he said.

The former Chief Minister alleged that Jharkhand had created an "unfortunate record" by postponing nine competitive examinations simultaneously, calling it a grave injustice to the state's youth. He cited the July 19 Regional Worker Competitive Examination, claiming that several candidates received the link to download their admit cards only after the examination had concluded. He also alleged that more than 40 out of 100 questions in the Santali language paper were outside the prescribed syllabus.

Das further alleged that multiple instances of paper leaks, examination malpractice and procedural irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) had been highlighted by the media. Despite protests by students and the BJP, he claimed, the state government had failed to take action against those responsible.

Referring to the Excise Constable recruitment examination, Das recalled that 12 tribal and local youths had lost their lives during the physical endurance test, while hundreds of others were injured. He accused the state government of conducting the recruitment process without adequate preparation and failing to respond sensitively to the tragedy.

Targeting opposition parties over the NEET controversy, Das said those demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should first examine the situation in Jharkhand, where, according to him, students have been repeatedly subjected to injustice.

He also alleged that a private agency, TDPL, which he claimed had been blacklisted in Uttar Pradesh and later by the JSSC in 2025, was entrusted by the JPSC with eight key responsibilities, ranging from one-time registration to final result processing, for the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination. He demanded a CBI investigation into the awarding of the contract.

Drawing a comparison with the Centre's handling of the NEET-UG paper leak case, Das said the Union government had acted promptly by ordering a CBI investigation, arresting the accused and conducting a fresh NEET-UG examination in June 2026 before publishing the results in a transparent manner. He alleged that while the Centre was taking corrective measures, the Jharkhand government was attempting to shield those responsible for examination irregularities.

Das also referred to the Union government's recently announced anti-paper leak legislation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the law provides for stringent punishment, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, penalties of up to ?10 crore and expedited trials through fast-track courts.

He further criticised the Congress and Left parties, saying that if they were serious about students' welfare, they should hold the Jharkhand government equally accountable and, if necessary, withdraw their support from it instead of focusing solely on the Union government.

Emphasising that the Centre believes in resolving issues through democratic dialogue, Das said the Union government was prepared for a comprehensive discussion on the issue in Parliament. He urged the opposition to pursue dialogue and constructive solutions rather than political confrontation.

Taking another swipe at Rahul Gandhi, Das questioned why the Congress leader had expressed concern over the NEET issue but had remained silent on the plight of students in Jharkhand.

The former Chief Minister also demanded that the families of the 12 youths who died during the Excise Constable recruitment physical test be provided compensation of ?1 crore each.

Appealing directly to students, Das urged them not to be influenced by political provocation and to prioritise their education and careers while raising their concerns through peaceful and democratic means.