Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Friday, 24 July launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his response to the NEET examination paper leak controversy, calling his promises of fast-track courts “empty rhetoric” and his assurances “castles in the air.” The party’s critique appeared in an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana, targeting both the substance and the mode of the PM’s intervention.

Modi Breaks Silence — On X, Not in Parliament

Amid nationwide outrage and escalating student protests, PM Modi broke his silence on the NEET paper leak crisis by posting a statement on social media platform X, pledging that “no individual playing with the future of students will be spared” and announcing the establishment of fast-track courts for swift justice.

However, the Saamana editorial pointedly noted that the Prime Minister chose to communicate via a social media post rather than address Parliament or meet the protesting students directly — a choice critics say reflects the administration’s discomfort with direct accountability.

Students Dismiss Assurances as a 'Bandage on a Paper Leak'

Protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, running for over two months and drawing students alongside environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, have shown no sign of abating. Demonstrators have faced police lathi charges while demanding systemic reform in the national examination framework.

According to the Saamana editorial, protesting students dismissed the PM’s assurances as a “bandage on a paper leak” and characterised the fast-track court promise as hollow, given the absence of any ministerial accountability.

The Accountability Gap: 153 Leaks, No Resignations

The editorial highlighted that critics and opposition voices have pointed to reportedly 152 paper leak incidents over the past decade under the current administration, none of which drew significant official action. It was only the 153rd leak — and the resulting national fury — that prompted a public response from the Prime Minister.

Notably, the Shiv Sena (UBT) editorial argued that PM Modi should have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who holds primary responsibility for the ministry, before announcing punitive measures. “Had the PM demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before announcing fast-track courts, his promises might have carried weight,” the editorial stated.

NSA Invoked Against Protesters

The Saamana editorial also drew attention to a troubling contradiction: while the administration promised strict action against those responsible for the leak, it simultaneously invoked the National Security Act (NSA) in Delhi to curb the student demonstrations. Critics argue this dual approach — promising justice while suppressing dissent — undermines the credibility of the government’s stated commitments.

What Comes Next

As public dissatisfaction deepens over the damage to millions of students’ and parents’ aspirations, the Shiv Sena (UBT) editorial questioned whether the PM’s commitments would translate into concrete systemic reform or remain, as it put it, unfulfilled promises. The opposition’s scrutiny of the fast-track court mechanism — its timeline, scope, and independence — is expected to intensify in the coming parliamentary sessions.