NEW DELHI — Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi moved to clarify statements made by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday, following his appeal to India’s “Gen Z” to seek accountability for the NEET-UG paper leak.
Advocating for Peaceful Reform
While Kejriwal drew parallels to student-led movements in Bangladesh and Nepal that led to government changes, Atishi emphasized that the party’s stance remains rooted in non-violence.
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Clarification: Atishi stated that Kejriwal’s remarks were a call for peaceful protest, noting that AAP and its predecessor, India Against Corruption, have a consistent history of non-violent activism.
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Call to Action: She argued that if the youth do not raise their voices against those responsible for the paper leaks, the cycle of shattered dreams and hopes will continue.
Critique of Examination Governance
Atishi highlighted a perceived imbalance between the strict regulations imposed on students and the lack of accountability for exam organizers.
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Strict Student Checks: She pointed out that aspirants face stringent rules regarding clothing, water bottles, and stationery.
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Organizer Accountability: Atishi alleged that while students are heavily monitored, no comparable rules appear to exist for those tasked with conducting the national exams.
Human Cost of the Row
The AAP leader also shared personal accounts of the emotional toll the cancellation has taken on candidates. She cited a specific instance where a friend’s daughter suffered a nervous breakdown and required hospitalization after learning of the re-exam.
The NEET exam, originally held on May 3, was cancelled after “guess papers” were found circulating online and offline. While the CBI has arrested five individuals in connection with the leak, a fresh date for the examination involving approximately 20 lakh students has yet to be announced.
