Priyanka Gandhi Alleges ‘Examination Mafia, Corruption’ As UP State Board Denies Fresh Paper Leak

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the BJP after mathematics and biology question papers for the Uttar Pradesh class 12 board exam were allegedly circulated on a WhatsApp group

File Photo of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi ( Image Source :PTI )

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following an alleged exam paper leak incident in Uttar Pradesh, which has been denied by the board. She accused the ruling party of jeopardising the futures of millions of children and youths in order to protect what she termed as "the examination mafia and corrupt individuals."

The mathematics and biology question papers for the Uttar Pradesh class 12 board exam were allegedly circulated on a WhatsApp group just an hour after the examinations commenced on Thursday. This development has prompted authorities to file a police complaint. The FIR has been registered in Fatehpur Sikri following a complaint by the District Inspector of Schools, Agra, Dinesh Kumar.

In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi expressed her concern, stating, "Paper leaked once again! Why so? Under BJP rule, from job exams to board exams, almost every paper is getting leaked!" She highlighted the significance of board examinations as the first major challenge children face while shaping their futures. "If such a significant breach of trust occurs at this stage, what will be their next step?" she questioned.

Accusing the BJP of compromising the education system to protect vested interests, Priyanka Gandhi remarked, "To save the examination mafia and the corrupt people sitting in the government, the BJP is also hollowing the foundation of crores of children and youth." She further questioned the BJP's commitment to improving the future prospects of the state's children through quality education.

According to news agency PTI, the FIR implicated the principal of Atar Singh Inter College, Rajhauli, in Kiraoli of Fatehpur Sikri, along with his son who works as a computer operator at the institute, and others. It is alleged that the question papers were disseminated via the WhatsApp group 'All Principals Agra' by the principal's son. This incident follows closely on the heels of the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to cancel the police constable recruitment examination due to allegations of a question paper leak, ordering a re-test within six months.

UP Board Denies Allegations of Class 12 Exam Paper Leak on WhatsApp

Notably, the Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education has refuted allegations of a leak concerning the Class 12 Biology and Mathematics question papers on WhatsApp. UP Board Secretary, Dibyakant Shukla, dismissed the claims, asserting that according to reports, the question paper was shared on a WhatsApp group named 'All Principles Agra' around 3:10 pm by Vinay Choudhary.

"In the hour and ten minutes since the examination had begun, all candidates were peacefully taking the exam in their respective rooms at their examination centres, ensuring that the sanctity of the council examinations remained intact," Shukla stated in a press release.

Shukla further clarified, "If a paper is circulated on WhatsApp an hour after the exam begins, it cannot be categorised as a 'leak'. Nevertheless, we are actively investigating the matter, and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible."