P Chidambaram Criticizes NEET Exam and New Criminal Laws, Defends Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, India – Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram has called for the central government to stop conducting the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical college admissions. He believes that states should have the right to conduct their own exams. The NEET-UG exam held on May 5, 2024, has faced allegations of cheating and impersonation.
Chidambaram stated, “NEET is a scandal and we have been saying this for the last 3-4 years. Tamil Nadu has passed a resolution demanding exemption from NEET. Each state must have the right to conduct its own entrance examination.” He emphasized that the country is too large for a single exam and suggested limiting the NEET to central government institutions.
Chidambaram also called for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, holding him responsible for the issues with the NEET exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducted the exam, has faced severe criticism, leading to protests and legal actions. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested over a dozen suspects involved in the exam paper leak.
Additionally, Chidambaram criticized the new criminal laws that came into effect on July 1, claiming that most of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act have been copied with minor changes. He questioned the need for rewriting these laws and announced that the Congress’ Legal and Human Rights Department plans to hold a conclave on these issues.
Chidambaram also defended Rahul Gandhi against BJP’s allegations that he insulted the Hindu community. He stated, “The bulk of the people in this country are Hindus, but we do not wear the ‘Hindu badge’ on our collars and cream against minorities.” He accused the BJP of campaigning on an anti-Muslim platform and emphasized that the Congress wants a secular country.
