Education – Tripura Minister Accuses Opposition of Avoiding Parliament Debate on Exam Leak Issue
Education – Tripura Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has criticised Opposition parties for organising protests over alleged examination paper leaks, saying the issue should be addressed through parliamentary debate rather than public demonstrations.
Tripura Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Friday accused the Congress and several other Opposition parties of using the controversy surrounding examination paper leaks to fuel political protests instead of participating in discussions inside Parliament. Speaking at a press briefing, he said the Centre had already expressed its readiness to address the matter through democratic institutions and urged political parties to engage in constructive dialogue rather than agitation.
Government Highlights Parliamentary Route
According to Chowdhury, the Prime Minister has made it clear that the interests of students, young people and the country’s workforce must remain a priority. He said the government had established a fast-track court to handle cases related to the alleged paper leak incidents and had invited Opposition leaders to raise their concerns during Parliament proceedings.
The minister stated that the government was willing to clarify every step being taken to investigate the matter and implement corrective measures. He maintained that Parliament remained the most appropriate platform to examine the issue and discuss any further action required.
Response to Opposition Demands
Referring to the Congress leadership, Chowdhury said the party had demanded an apology from the Prime Minister and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He argued that calls for resignation would not resolve the concerns raised by students and that meaningful discussions in the Lok Sabha could lead to practical solutions.
He added that criticism of the government was part of the democratic process, but insisted that debates should take place within constitutional institutions where all viewpoints could be heard and addressed.
Allegations Over Political Protests
The minister further alleged that Opposition parties were attempting to create public unrest instead of contributing to parliamentary discussions. He warned that any effort to disturb law and order in Tripura or elsewhere would be handled firmly in accordance with the law.
Chowdhury also referred to a protest organised outside the Circuit House in Tripura on Thursday. He claimed that the state’s Leader of the Opposition, along with other Opposition leaders, participated in the demonstration and raised slogans. He further alleged that Congress leaders were encouraging similar protests to continue.
Appeal for Public Awareness
Questioning the intentions behind the demonstrations, the minister alleged that certain political groups were attempting to weaken the country by using the examination issue for political purposes. He appealed to citizens to carefully assess such campaigns and claimed that what he described as anti-national elements would not receive widespread public support.
His remarks reflected the ruling party’s position that political disagreements should not result in actions that could disrupt public order or create unnecessary tension.
Government Reaffirms Readiness for Dialogue
Reiterating the government’s stand, Chowdhury said the Prime Minister, the Union Education Minister and the Union Home Minister had all publicly indicated their willingness to discuss the matter in Parliament. He said democratic institutions provide sufficient space to debate sensitive national issues and encouraged the Opposition to participate in those discussions.
The minister concluded by stating that while the government remained open to dialogue and criticism, it would not permit any attempt to disturb peace, damage public property or create instability. He said maintaining law and order would remain a priority while the government continued addressing concerns related to the examination paper leak controversy through established legal and parliamentary processes.