Punjab Assembly Slams BJP-led Centre Govt, Passes Resolution On Paper Leaks

Chandigarh, Aug 3: The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a condemnation resolution against the BJP-led Centre over the alleged paper leaks and the police action against protesting youths at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The Congress and BJP MLAs were absent when the resolution was passed. On the first day of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema brought the resolution in the House as he took on the Centre over the alleged paper leaks and "irregularities" in examinations. Participating in the discussion on the resolution, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann claimed that a total of 93 exam papers leaked since 2014 in the BJP-ruled states as he took on the BJP over the alleged paper leak issue. He further said 65 paper leak cases were reported between 2019 and 2024. Mann also strongly condemned the use of force against protesting students at Jantar Mantar. Pellet guns and tear gas shells were used against the students, he said. Earlier, Cheema slammed the Union government over the police action against the students protesting in Delhi and other states, including Bihar and Maharashtra. He claimed that pellet guns and tear gas were used against protesting students in Delhi. The minister also claimed the use of an AK-47 rifle during a protest in Bihar. Cases were registered against the protesting students, he said as he continued attacking the BJP-led Centre. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains recalled his visit to Jantar Mantar during the protest and claimed that he witnessed the police using "brutal" force on the protesting students. The minister said the youths who assembled at Jantar Mantar were for India and not against the country. Bains further criticised the BJP, claiming that anyone who raises their voice is labelled anti-India. Bains stressed the formation of the education commission involving all stakeholders. Akali Dal Waris Punjab De leader Manpreet Singh Ayali supported the condemnation resolution brought by the AAP government. The members of the House also expressed solidarity with the youth who protested at Jantar Mantar and demanded withdrawal of FIRs registered against them.