‘Garlanded Like Pradhan Returned From War’: Gaurav Gogoi Attacks BJP During Anti-Paper Leak Bill Debate

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi questioned the effectiveness of the Centre's anti-paper leak law, alleging continued exam irregularities, and sought answers on the functioning of the NTA and the proposed amendment Bill.

New Delhi: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre during the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that the government had failed to curb examination paper leaks despite enacting a law in 2024.

'Government Is Not Serious'

Opening the Opposition's debate, Gogoi described the proposed amendment as an "eyewash" and questioned the need for a new law if the earlier legislation had been effective.

Also Read: Assam Election Results 2026: Gaurav Gogoi loses from Jorhat, BJP nears 100-seat mark

He argued that repeated examination paper leaks after 2024 demonstrated that the existing legal framework had failed to achieve its objective.

Delhi | Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi raised the issue of the Assam floods, urging the Centre to announce a special relief package after around 70 people lost their lives in the disaster.

Speaking during the discussion on the Bill, Gogoi alleged that the government is not serious… pic.twitter.com/ht39etYgSr

— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) July 28, 2026

Swipe at BJP Over Dharmendra Pradhan

Gogoi also took a political swipe at the BJP over the welcome extended to former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Parliament.

He remarked that Pradhan was welcomed with garlands "as if he had returned after fighting a war in Pakistan", questioning the celebration despite the controversy surrounding examination irregularities.

Questions on NEET Probe and NTA

The Congress leader also questioned the progress of the NEET-UG paper leak investigation, citing media reports to claim that most of the accused named in the chargesheet were out on bail.

He further raised concerns about the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), questioning staffing figures and alleging irregularities in its administration. Gogoi also criticised the government for continuing to back the agency's leadership despite the allegations.

Also Read: Big Relief For NEET Protesters: Bihar Govt To Withdraw FIRs, Release All Detained Students

What the Amendment Bill Proposes

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, proposes stricter punishments for examination-related offences.

The Bill includes:

• 5–10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks.
• Minimum 7 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 crore for organised examination fraud.
• Completion of investigations within two months.
• Establishment of fast-track courts to conclude trials within three months of filing a chargesheet.
• Provision for the Centre to constitute a special task force for investigating major paper leak cases.