Politics

Punjab paper leak row heats up after Pradhan’s resignation; BJP, Opposition target AAP

With Dharmendra Pradhan stepping down over the NEET controversy, the BJP and Opposition have turned their attention to alleged examination irregularities in Punjab, while the AAP government rejects the claims

PGurus Newsdesk

July 27, 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation has sparked fresh demands for accountability in Punjab, with the BJP and Opposition seeking the resignation of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains

Bhagwant Mann rejects paper leak claims amid Opposition attack

The resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak has reignited the political debate over examination irregularities, with Punjab emerging as the latest flashpoint.

The BJP and several Opposition parties have accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of presiding over multiple paper leaks in the state, demanding the resignation of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. The AAP government, however, has rejected the allegations, insisting that no competitive examination paper has been leaked during its tenure.

BJP cites Pradhan’s resignation to target AAP

Referring to Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the former Union minister had demonstrated accountability by stepping down.

“Dharmendra Pradhan has already resigned. He demonstrated the highest standards of accountability and morality,” Poonawalla said.

He alleged that six to seven paper leaks had occurred in Punjab under the AAP government and questioned why similar accountability had not been shown by the state leadership. Poonawalla also criticised Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains over the issue.

Opposition steps up pressure

Former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also demanded Harjot Singh Bains’ resignation, alleging irregularities in recruitment examinations.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) echoed the demand, claiming there had been six paper leaks in Punjab, including the Punjab Teacher Eligibility Test, the Class 12 English examination and the pharmacy officer recruitment test.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini have also sought action over the alleged examination irregularities.

Bhagwant Mann rejects paper leak claims

Responding to the allegations, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann denied that any competitive examination paper had been leaked during the AAP government’s four-and-a-half years in office.

Addressing an event to honour students who cleared the NEET-UG re-examination, Mann acknowledged that cheating was detected at two examination centres but maintained that it did not amount to a paper leak.

He said an inter-state cheating racket using Bluetooth-enabled devices to transmit answers had been busted, adding that those involved, including people charging candidates ₹3–5 lakh, had been arrested.

According to Mann, 21 people have been arrested so far in connection with the case.

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