SHIMLA: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a clear message that those playing with the future of the youth through paper leaks will not be spared under any circumstances.
Thakur stated that the central government has taken historic steps to make the examination system transparent and secure, reflecting its commitment to protecting the interests of millions of young people across the country.
However, he alleged that the attitude of the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh government stands in stark contrast. Thakur claimed that ministers in the state government openly talk about providing jobs based on recommendations. He also raised concerns over the recent recruitment process conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education, pointing out that selections were disproportionately made from a single assembly constituency.
Referring to the state police recruitment case, the senior BJP leader charged the state government with refusing to acknowledge a paper leak despite clear evidence. He asserted that initial police investigations led to several arrests, cash seizures, and proof of monetary transactions. Furthermore, while candidates alleged mass cheating and demanded an inspection of CCTV footage, the government halted further investigation.
Thakur further alleged that despite recommendations for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, the relevant report was suppressed, and officers who should have faced action were instead given key responsibilities. He suggested that the Chief Minister evaluate his own government’s actions before making public statements, reiterating that the BJP remains committed to ensuring fairness in examinations and safeguarding youth interests.
Hitting out at the Congress party regarding the debate on paper leaks in Parliament, Thakur said that if the opposition party’s intentions were clear, it would have engaged in a constructive discussion on such a vital matter. He called the disruption of parliamentary proceedings by setting preconditions unfortunate, stating that the BJP advocates for serious deliberation and concrete solutions rather than using the issue for political gains.
