Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Wednesday, 22 July declared that the Centre was open to dialogue with all stakeholders on the examination paper leak crisis, revealing that the government had already held talks with representatives of the protesting CJP and had personally urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike and re-enter the mainstream dialogue process.

Government's Outreach to CJP Representatives

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Nadda said the meeting with CJP representatives was conducted in a 'cordial atmosphere,' during which the government listened to their concerns and requested written submissions of their demands.

'The discussion took place in a very cordial atmosphere. We listened to their views very calmly. I told them it would be better if they submitted their points in writing, and they have done so. We are ready for discussions whenever they ask,' Nadda said, clarifying that no fresh meeting had taken place on Wednesday itself.

Nadda Visits Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital

Nadda also disclosed that he had visited Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital, where the activist is receiving treatment after being shifted from Safdarjung Hospital. The minister said he inquired about Wangchuk's health and appealed to him to break his fast.

'We went to inquire about his well-being. Since he was in the ICU, the environment was very restricted. We requested him to break his fast, join the mainstream and guide the children in the right direction. Our government is ready to discuss all issues and address every concern,' Nadda said. He added that Wangchuk had written him an open letter and the government would respond to it before taking the dialogue forward.

Parliament Proposed as Forum for Exam Policy Debate

Reiterating the government's position, Nadda said Parliament was the most appropriate forum to evolve a long-term policy on examination paper leaks. He indicated the government was prepared for a short-duration discussion, a long-duration discussion, or even a debate lasting 12 or 18 hours if the Opposition so desired.

'Every aspect should be discussed and a concrete policy should emerge. Children are the future of the country, and it is the responsibility of both the government and the Opposition to safeguard that future,' he asserted.

Nadda Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Selective Outrage

Nadda went on the offensive against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, listing alleged examination irregularities in states governed by the Congress and allied parties — including Jammu and Kashmir under the Congress-National Conference government, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab, Kerala, and Karnataka.

'There is a long list of paper leaks under Congress and Congress-supported governments. Why is Rahul Gandhi selective? Why has he not spoken about UPA and UPA-supported governments? This clearly shows that his objective is not students' welfare or improving education but gaining political mileage from students' issues,' Nadda alleged.

The minister accused Gandhi of politicising students' concerns rather than seeking justice for them, while asserting that the paper leak issue was 'genuine' and deserved in-depth, non-partisan debate. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has consistently sought to shift the narrative to Opposition-ruled states as scrutiny over the NEET-UG controversy has intensified in recent weeks.

What Comes Next

The government's twin moves — engaging the CJP and reaching out to Wangchuk — signal an attempt to de-escalate multiple simultaneous pressure points ahead of the parliamentary session. Whether the Opposition accepts the invitation for a structured Parliament debate, and whether Wangchuk responds to the government's appeal, will shape the political trajectory of both issues in the days ahead.