Modi Govt Is Trying to Silence Youth Demanding Justice in Paper Leak Cases Through Lathi-Charge: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Chandigarh, July 21, 2026: Extending full support to the youth protesting in the national capital, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the BJP-led Central Government is attempting to suppress the voices of young people by resorting to baton charges against those demanding accountability in the paper leak cases.
During a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The country’s youth aspire to transform their future through education, but repeated incidents of examination paper leaks are shattering their dreams. While the Prime Minister projects himself as a ‘Vishwaguru’ (global leader), he has failed to acknowledge that the future of India’s youth is being jeopardized within the country itself. Instead of ensuring justice, the Central Government has chosen to respond with baton charges whenever young people raise their voices against these injustices.”
The Chief Minister noted, “The nation has witnessed examination paper leaks in 2017, 2019, 2022, 2024 and now once again in 2026. However, instead of fixing accountability, the Central Government continues to shield those responsible for this mess. The Prime Minister teaches students how to prepare for examinations, but he has never taught the institutions under his government how to conduct examinations with transparency, fairness and security
“The national leadership of the AAP stands firmly with the youth and will continue to raise its voice for their rights. Equally unfortunate is the Haryana Government’s decision to stop farmers from travelling to the national capital to participate in a rally against the proposed India-US Trade Agreement. I urge both the Central and Haryana Governments not to obstruct farmers through such arbitrary actions. The Haryana Government must refrain from repeating past mistakes and instead allow farmers to proceed peacefully to the national capital,” said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister affirmed, “Every citizen in a democracy has the right to express his or her views. It is surprising that Prime Minister Narendra Modi neither engages in dialogue nor addresses the media through press conferences. Apprehensions regarding the proposed India-US Trade Agreement are growing among farmers, and the Prime Minister must initiate meaningful dialogue with them.”
Replying to a question regarding the legal challenge by private school associations against the Punjab Government’s ordinance regulating private school fees, the Chief Minister said, “Approaching the courts is their legal right, but the Punjab Government will not retreat from its decision.”
“The tragic suicide of a student from a private school in Amritsar deeply shook society, especially when the girl had secured 90% marks. Education is a service, not a business, and the Punjab Government will not allow profiteering in the education sector at the cost of students’ lives. The fee regulation ordinance is a historic step towards curbing commercial exploitation in education and ensuring that private schools function in the interest of students and parents rather than profit,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
“Education is a noble and sacred mission. It is a public good, not a commercial enterprise driven by profit. Ensuring access to quality education for every student in Punjab remains our government’s foremost priority. The outstanding academic performance of Punjab Government schools is now being recognised across the country, reflecting the growing public confidence in them,” he said.
The Chief Minister pointed out, “While only 80 students from Punjab Government schools qualified the NEET examination in 2021, the number has risen to a record 881 students in 2026. Punjab also pioneered the concept of Parent-Teacher Meetings in government schools, with nearly 24 lakh parents participating. Around 20,000 government school students, including 12,000 girls, are being provided free bus transportation by the state government.”
He asserted, “The trust of the people in Punjab Government schools is steadily increasing, and we will continue strengthening their infrastructure and improving the quality of education.”
Taking potshots at the Akali Dal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “As far as the Shiromani Akali Dal is concerned, it has already lost its political relevance in Punjab. After winning only three seats in the last Assembly elections, it will fail to win even a single seat in the forthcoming Punjab Assembly elections.”