Patna, May 12 (IANS) With the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination amid allegations of a paper leak, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a post on his social media platform X, Tejashwi Yadav said the exam cancellation has jeopardised the future of nearly 23 lakh students.

He alleged that repeated incidents of exam paper leaks in Bihar and across the country reflect a serious failure of governance.

“Due to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, the exam has been cancelled. The future of 23 lakh students has once again been toyed with. The endless chain of paper leaks shows no signs of stopping,” he said, questioning the Union government’s administrative capability and intent.

Tejashwi also alleged that repeated paper leaks raise concerns about whether authorities are unable — or unwilling — to conduct fair examinations.

He criticised what he termed showy investigations, urging the Union government to engage in self-reflection and ensure transparency and accountability.

He also highlighted the broader impact of the exam cancellation, pointing to the financial burden and emotional stress on students and their families.

Referring to the upcoming NEET re-examination, the RJD leader questioned the additional expenses on travel, fuel, and logistics for candidates appearing again across hundreds of exam centres nationwide.

“Governance requires transparency and accountability, not empty rhetoric,” he said, adding that institutions should not be misused for political purposes.

The controversy erupted after allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 exam conducted on May 3.

Following these claims, authorities decided to cancel the entire examination.

National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is one of India’s most competitive entrance exams, serving as the gateway for admission into MBBS and other medical courses.

This year, around 23 lakh candidates had appeared for the test.

The Union government has now handed over the investigation into the alleged paper leak to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Officials have confirmed that existing registrations of candidates will remain valid for the re-examination, the dates for which will be announced soon.

The cancellation has come as a major setback for lakhs of aspirants who had prepared for months.

–IANS

ajk/khz