New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding transparency over the country’s economic condition and questioning the Centre over repeated NEET paper leak controversies.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal claimed that the Prime Minister had appealed to citizens to adopt several austerity measures due to an alleged economic crisis, including:
- Working from home
- Reducing gold purchases
- Minimising fuel usage and using public transport
- Cutting down fertiliser usage and promoting natural farming
- Avoiding foreign products
- Reducing cooking oil consumption
- Avoiding foreign travel
Kejriwal said such extensive public appeals indicate that the country may be facing a serious economic challenge.
“Country Deserves the Truth”
The former Delhi Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to openly share the real condition of the economy with the public instead of issuing advisories without explanation.
He said citizens are ready to make sacrifices for the country, but people deserve transparency regarding why such drastic steps are being suggested.
Kejriwal also questioned why only the middle class appeared to be targeted through such appeals.
He argued that before asking ordinary citizens to reduce consumption, the government itself, ministers, bureaucracy and wealthy industrialists should first demonstrate austerity.
“Why should only the middle class make sacrifices? The government, ministers, officers and the ultra-rich should also share the burden,” he said.
Questions Over Global Context
Kejriwal further stated that while global tensions and conflicts affect all countries, no other nation has reportedly issued such a wide-ranging appeal to its citizens.
He claimed this raises doubts among people about whether India’s economic condition is more serious than being publicly acknowledged.
Attack Over NEET Paper Leak
Kejriwal also strongly criticised the Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.
Expressing solidarity with affected students and parents, he said lakhs of aspirants spend years preparing for highly competitive examinations, often with families taking loans, mortgaging jewellery or selling land to support coaching expenses.
He alleged that repeated NEET paper leaks point towards systemic collusion and failure of governance.
According to Kejriwal, NEET-related controversies had earlier surfaced in 2017, 2021, 2024 and now again in 2026.
“Paper leaks do not happen on their own. There has to be collusion and protection at some level,” he alleged.
He questioned whether those responsible for earlier paper leak cases had ever been punished, claiming that repeated incidents indicate lack of accountability.
Calling it a betrayal of students, Kejriwal said the future of lakhs of young aspirants was being damaged by recurring examination scandals.
He also appealed to students not to lose hope and assured them of support in raising their voices against examination irregularities.
