Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, May 12: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday launched a strong attack on the BJP-led state government over alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) examination, saying the cancellation of the exam itself confirms large-scale malpractice.
His remarks came shortly after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam conducted on May 3, following approval from the Central government. Officials said fresh dates for the examination will be announced soon.
Gehlot alleged that the state government delayed action on the issue for nearly two weeks, accusing it of attempting to suppress the matter and “playing with the future of lakhs of students.”
He also said the decision to cancel the exam and hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was a necessary step in the interest of fairness and students.
“The cancellation of the NEET (UG) exam clearly shows that irregularities took place on a large scale. Instead of taking prompt action, the Rajasthan BJP government tried to hide the matter,” Gehlot said.
He further alleged that this was not the first instance of such conduct, claiming that a previous OMR sheet-related scam linked to the Staff Selection Board was also allegedly suppressed by the government to avoid embarrassment. He said that weak legal representation in that case allowed the accused to secure bail.
Gehlot also claimed that, in the present case, there were initial attempts to withhold information regarding the alleged NEET (UG) paper leak and that even an FIR was not registered at the outset.
“Now the truth has come out, and the real face of the BJP government stands exposed,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Centre has directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated by the CBI. The NTA has stated that it will fully cooperate with the agency and provide all required documents and assistance for the probe.
Officials also confirmed that earlier communications had already been issued by the NTA regarding the NEET (UG) 2026 examination before its cancellation.