Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 23: Independent Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on setting up fast-track courts to ensure speedy punishment in paper leak cases, saying such courts should first hear cases involving leaders facing serious allegations before joining the BJP.

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, the senior advocate said the government should first initiate fast-track proceedings against leaders within the ruling party who were previously accused of corruption.

Sibal alleged that several individuals inducted into the BJP had earlier faced serious corruption charges and had even been accused by BJP leaders of being involved in major scams before they joined the party.

"Why are fast-track proceedings not being initiated against them? Why is the CBI not investigating them? And why were the investigations that were already underway stopped? The government should answer these questions first," he said.

Referring to the ongoing student protests over the alleged examination paper leaks, Sibal claimed the Centre had remained silent for nearly 25 days despite demonstrations that began on June 28.

"The students were protesting and even went on a hunger strike, but the government did not engage with them or address their concerns. Now it has suddenly woken up because it realises the situation has slipped out of its hands. Their countdown has begun, and they know public sentiment has turned against them," he alleged.

Sibal further claimed that there was widespread anger among the youth and accused the BJP of focusing only on communal issues instead of education.

"The BJP has only one issue — Hindu-Muslim. It is not concerned about education and is interested only in remaining in power," he alleged.

His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Modi announced on social media that the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.

Stating that the welfare and future of the country's youth were of utmost importance, the Prime Minister said he had directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps for setting up the courts.

Modi also said the move was part of a series of measures aimed at safeguarding students' interests and asserted that those attempting to jeopardise the future of young people would not be spared.