Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) Launching a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government, the Opposition staged a walk out from the Assembly on Monday, to protest against the recurring paper leaks in crucial examinations like NEET and TET, saying that it has severely tarnished the state's reputation nationwide. The Opposition demanded the suspension of Question Hour seeking a debate on the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leaks. As the Assembly proceedings commenced, Opposition members moved an adjournment motion demanding an immediate discussion on the systemic failure to secure examination integrity.

Addressing the House, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar highlighted the immense emotional and financial toll on aspirants. “Lakhs of students and teachers spend years working hard to prepare for these examinations. However, continuous paper leaks are completely washing away their hard work. The government must answer to the people of Maharashtra as to why it repeatedly fails to conduct these exams transparently," Wadettiwar said. He further asserted that the recurring papers leaks have created a deep sense of insecurity among millions of students, parents and educators.

Wadettiwar called for an exhaustive, deep investigation into the TET 2026 paper leak case. He demanded that investigators trace the entire supply chain, including the paper setters, involved corporate entities, and private companies handling administrative logistics. While acknowledging that three suspects have already been arrested, Wadettiwar pointed out that emerging links connect the accused to networks in other states, proving that an interstate racket is active.

Wadettiwar levelled grave political charges against the ruling Mahayuti alliance by recalling past examination scandals. He specifically cited Abhishek Sawarikar, an accused in the 2018 TET scam, alleging that individuals involved in such scandals were later respectfully inducted into the BJP. Raising suspicion over corporate involvement, the Congress leader questioned, “Are these examination scams administrative oversights, or are they systemic, state-sponsored frauds?”

Emphasising that the future of Maharashtra's youth hangs in the balance, Wadettiwar demanded an extensive, dedicated debate in the House alongside a clear road map from the government detailing stringent legal action against the culprits and foolproof preventative measures for the future. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said that he had rejected the Opposition’s notice for taking up adjournment motion on the TET paper leak issuing citing that it cannot be taken up today as the supplementary demands will be discussed in the House. He also brought to the Opposition’s notice that they have not given him notice under relevant rules seeking the suspension of Question Hour.

School Education Minister, Dadaji Bhuse, said the Maharashtra government has taken the TET paper leak issue seriously and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already announced a probe by a Special Investigation Team. However, the Opposition was not happy with the minister’s reply, citing that the government has failed to offer a definitive, concrete strategy to counter the crisis or allow the Opposition to fully outline their stance. Thereafter, the Maha Vikas Aghadi staged a dramatic walkout from the Assembly in protest.

--IANS