Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, June 17: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday criticised the central government over reports related to a ban on Telegram, alleging that the move is being framed as a strategy to curb question paper leaks.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi said the alleged “ban on Telegram” is being projected as a new tactic by the Modi government to prevent exam paper leaks. He compared the move to “locking the homes of victims instead of catching thieves,” questioning the effectiveness and intent behind such a decision.

He further argued that millions of students across the country have been using Telegram for years for notes, test series, discussions, and exam preparation. According to him, removing such a platform would not solve the problem of question paper leaks. He also claimed that such measures are neither practical nor fully effective, and that both students and those involved in paper leak networks are aware of this reality.

Rahul Gandhi also questioned what might be banned next if such steps continue, even suggesting whether platforms like WhatsApp could be targeted in the future.

In another post, he criticised the government’s handling of examinations, alleging that students are subjected to strict checks on exam days, including intensive frisking and unnecessary security measures, while the root cause of paper leaks remains unaddressed.

He further alleged that while elaborate arrangements are made for conducting examinations, including secure transportation of question papers, the real issue—paper leak networks or “mafias,” as he described them—continues to grow under the government’s watch, harming the future of the youth.

Calling on the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi urged him to stop what he termed as “symbolic theatrics” and instead take strong action against those responsible for leaks rather than targeting students. He added that the government should listen to the concerns of students, warning that the youth of the country are aware of their rights and will continue to raise their voices if their issues are not addressed.