Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Centre’s decision to block Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG retest, calling it a misplaced response to the issue of paper leaks. Rahul Gandhi Criticises Telegram Ban, saying the government is targeting students instead of addressing the real networks responsible for exam leaks.
The decision was taken following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and directions from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) ahead of the June 21 re-examination.
Opposition Questions Government Action
Reacting to the move, Rahul Gandhi said that blocking Telegram would not solve the deeper problem of recurring paper leaks. He argued that students across the country depend on the platform for study material, discussions, and preparation.
‘Telegram Ban’ – मोदी सरकार का पेपर लीक रोकने का नया नुस्खा।
यानी चोर को पकड़ने के बजाय, पीड़ित के घर पर ताला लटका दो।
लाखों छात्र सालों से Telegram पर पढ़ते हैं – नोट्स, टेस्ट सीरीज़, डिस्कशन, तैयारी। वो सुविधा छीन लेना पेपर लीक का समाधान कैसे हुआ?
और यह फूलप्रूफ भी नहीं है… https://t.co/LkiRN1oLTj
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 17, 2026
He added that restricting such a widely used tool could end up creating inconvenience for aspirants while doing little to stop organised malpractice.
Government Defends Security Measure
Officials, however, defended the decision, stating that certain groups were allegedly using Telegram channels to spread misleading information and manipulate content related to examination papers.
They said the step was necessary to prevent misuse of digital platforms ahead of the NEET-UG retest and ensure fairness in the examination process.
Concerns Over Exam Integrity
Rahul Gandhi also questioned the effectiveness of such restrictions, arguing that organised cheating networks would simply shift to other platforms. His criticism of the move reflects broader concerns over how examination security is being handled.
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He urged the government to focus on identifying and dismantling the networks behind repeated paper leak incidents rather than restricting communication apps used by students.
The controversy continues to spark political debate, with opposition leaders calling it an ineffective approach while the government maintains that the decision is aimed at protecting the integrity of the NEET-UG retest.