Karnataka BJP backs Centre's anti-paper-leak bill, fast-track courts push
Synopsis
Karnataka BJP's Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka backed the Centre's proposed fast-track courts and tough legislation against paper leaks — while simultaneously targeting the state Congress government over a fresh hike in Nandini ghee and butter prices, signalling a two-front political offensive in Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
Ashoka welcomed the Centre's draft bill on 24 July to introduce stringent punishment for examination paper leaks and establish fast-track courts .
The Union Cabinet was set to discuss the proposal on Friday, with a Parliament bill expected shortly after approval.
Ashoka alleged milk prices in Karnataka have risen ₹9 per litre cumulatively over 20 months under the Congress government.
Nandini ghee prices rose ₹15 per litre (₹700 to ₹715); Nandini butter rose ₹50 per kg (₹610 to ₹660).
The BJP has warned of a statewide agitation against the Karnataka government over dairy product price hikes.
Karnataka Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka on Friday, 24 July welcomed the Centre's proposal to introduce stringent legislation against examination paper leaks, saying there would be 'no pardon' for those who tamper with students' futures. The announcement comes as the Union Cabinet was set to take up a draft bill on the same day, with Parliament introduction expected shortly after approval.
What the Centre's Proposal Covers
According to Ashoka, the draft legislation seeks to impose strict penalties on individuals involved in examination malpractices and establish fast-track courts for the speedy disposal of such cases. The Union Cabinet was scheduled to deliberate on the proposal on Friday, with a Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament soon after approval.
'Paper leak menace will be permanently curbed. There is no pardon for those who toy with the future of students,' Ashoka said in a statement.
BJP's Stand on Examination Integrity
Ashoka said the Narendra Modi-led government is working to protect the aspirations of 'honest and hardworking students' and to uphold the integrity of India's examination system. He also shared a video by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his social media account in connection with the initiative.
This comes amid a broader national debate over examination integrity, triggered by alleged irregularities in competitive examinations earlier this year that sparked widespread student protests across several states.
Ashoka Targets Karnataka Government Over Nandini Price Hike
Separately, Ashoka trained his guns on the Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of repeatedly burdening consumers with price hikes. He alleged that milk prices under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's government have been raised three times in the last 20 months, amounting to a cumulative increase of ₹9 per litre.
The revisions, as listed by Ashoka, are: August 2023 — ₹3 per litre; June 2024 — ₹2 per litre; and March 2025 — ₹4 per litre.
Nandini Ghee and Butter Prices Revised Upward
Ashoka further stated that the price of Nandini ghee has been raised by ₹15 per litre — from ₹700 to ₹715 — while Nandini butter has gone up by ₹50 per kilogram, from ₹610 to ₹660.
He questioned whether the additional revenue from these revisions would reach dairy farmers or simply plug what he described as the government's administrative failures. 'If the government has even a little concern for the poor and middle class, it should immediately withdraw this anti-people price hike order,' Ashoka said.
BJP Warns of Statewide Agitation
The Leader of Opposition alleged that neither farmers nor consumers are benefiting from the state government's policies and warned that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would launch an intensified statewide agitation against the Congress government over the dairy price increases. The BJP's dual offensive — backing the Centre's examination reforms while targeting the state government on cost-of-living — signals an escalating political confrontation ahead of local body elections.
Point of View
And local attack on the Congress government's cost-of-living record. The paper-leak bill is significant in itself: fast-track courts for exam malpractice would mark a structural shift, but the devil will be in the definitions — what counts as a 'leak' and who bears criminal liability. On the dairy price front, the BJP's arithmetic of three hikes totalling ₹9 per litre is verifiable and politically potent in a state where Nandini is a household brand. The Congress government has not yet publicly responded to the specific allegations, leaving the narrative unchallenged for now.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Centre's proposed anti-paper-leak legislation?
The Centre is preparing a bill that would impose strict penalties on those involved in examination paper leaks and establish fast-track courts for speedy disposal of such cases. The Union Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the draft on 24 July, with Parliament introduction expected soon after.
What did Karnataka LoP R. Ashoka say about the paper-leak bill?
Ashoka welcomed the proposal, saying 'there is no pardon for those who toy with the future of students.' He credited the Modi-led government with working to protect honest students and uphold examination integrity.
By how much have Nandini milk prices risen in Karnataka?
According to Ashoka, milk prices have been hiked three times in 20 months — ₹3 per litre in August 2023, ₹2 per litre in June 2024, and ₹4 per litre in March 2025 — totalling a cumulative increase of ₹9 per litre.
What are the new prices for Nandini ghee and butter?
Nandini ghee has been revised upward by ₹15 per litre from ₹700 to ₹715, while Nandini butter has gone up by ₹50 per kilogram from ₹610 to ₹660, according to Ashoka.
What action has the BJP threatened over the Nandini price hike?
The BJP has warned of an intensified statewide agitation against the Karnataka Congress government over the increase in dairy product prices, alleging that neither farmers nor consumers are benefiting from the state's policies.
