Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over reports of a possible ban on the messaging platform Telegram as part of efforts to curb examination paper leaks, alleging that the government was targeting students rather than acting against those responsible for the crime.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi described the proposed move as the Modi government’s “new formula” to tackle paper leaks and argued that it would punish millions of students who rely on Telegram for educational purposes while failing to address the root causes of the problem.
“Telegram Ban — The Modi government’s new formula to stop paper leaks. In other words, instead of catching the thief, lock up the victim’s house,” Gandhi said.
The Congress leader noted that students across the country have been using Telegram for years to access study materials, notes, test series, discussions and preparation resources. Questioning the rationale behind any such restriction, he asked how depriving students of a widely used educational platform could serve as a solution to recurring examination leaks.
“For years, millions of students have used Telegram for studying — notes, test series, discussions, and exam preparation. How does taking away that facility solve the problem of paper leaks?” he wrote.
Gandhi further contended that any ban on the platform would not be foolproof, arguing that both students and organised paper leak networks were aware of alternative channels of communication. He sarcastically questioned whether the government would next move against other messaging services.
“And this is not even foolproof. Every student in the country knows it, and so does the paper leak mafia. So what will be banned next? WhatsApp?” he said.
Escalating his criticism, the former Congress president accused the government of focusing on visible measures and administrative theatrics rather than dismantling the networks allegedly responsible for examination fraud. Referring to heightened security arrangements around examinations, Gandhi said there would be “no shortage of grand displays and theatrics” but little action against the perpetrators.
“On exam day, students will be searched. Their pockets may be cut open with scissors. Question papers may be transported by the Air Force. There will be no shortage of grand displays and theatrics,” he said.
He alleged that the paper leak problem persisted because the “paper leak mafia” continued to operate under the government’s watch, causing immense distress to young aspirants and undermining their future prospects.
“But there will not be a single strike at the root of the disease — because the paper leak mafia continues to flourish under this government’s watch, making young people suffer and shattering their aspirations,” Gandhi said.
Calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take direct action against those involved in examination fraud, Gandhi urged the government to focus on dismantling organised leak networks rather than imposing restrictions that affect students.
“Modi ji, stop the theatrics. Crack down on the mafia, not on the students,” he said, adding, “Listen to the voice of the students — otherwise, the youth of this country know how to fight for their rights.”
The remarks come amid continuing concerns over examination integrity following a series of alleged paper leak incidents that have sparked widespread protests and demands for stronger safeguards. Opposition parties have repeatedly accused the government of failing to prevent organised cheating rackets, while the Centre has maintained that it is taking stringent steps to protect the credibility of competitive examinations and punish those responsible for malpractice.
Gandhi’s comments are likely to intensify the political debate over examination reforms and the government’s approach to combating paper leaks, an issue that has emerged as a major concern for millions of students and job aspirants across the country.
