'CM Mann Admitted Paper Leak In 2023': BJP Targets AAP's Changing Stand In Punjab
'CM Mann Admitted Paper Leak In 2023': BJP Targets AAP's Changing Stand In Punjab Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 12:22 IST The controversy
'CM Mann Admitted Paper Leak In 2023': BJP Targets AAP's Changing Stand In Punjab Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 12:22 IST The controversy erupted after AAP leader Manish Sisodia, while speaking at Jantar Mantar protest, claimed that no exam paper leaks had occurred during last four years of AAP rule. File image of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal. (Source: PTI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had openly extended support to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters demanding the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak, is now facing fire over the alleged Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test (PSTET) paper leak in 2023, with the opposition demanding the resignation of the state’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. Reacting to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s denial of any instances of paper leaks during his tenure, the BJP and the Congress questioned the government’s changing stand and pressed for the education minister’s resignation. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya said CM Mann had himself acknowledged the alleged PSTET 2023 paper leak in a video in March 2023. However, he is now denying any paper leaks during his tenure. How Did Punjab’s Paper Leak Come Into Focus? The controversy erupted after AAP leader Manish Sisodia, while speaking at the Jantar Mantar protest, claimed that no exam paper leaks had occurred during the last four years of AAP rule. “If any such paper leak happens in Punjab then I, (Arvind Kejriwal), and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sahab together will immediately sack Punjab’s education minister… not a single paper has leaked in Punjab in the past four years," Sisodia said.
What Punjab Govt Said On Paper Leak Controversy? Denying any examination paper leaks during his tenure, CM Mann said, “In over four years of our government, not a single paper has leaked in Punjab. Recently, when an attempt to facilitate cheating in the pharmacy exam came to our notice, we acted immediately. All those involved were arrested… NEET paper leaked in 2017, 2024 and now 2026. It is a complete failure of the BJP-led Centre." Also Read: ‘No Paper Leaks Under AAP Rule In Punjab’: Bhagwant Mann Rejects Opposition’s Allegations Meanwhile, Education Minister Bains said that the 2026 pharmacy exam was organised under Health Minister Balbir Singh and did not come under his department. “Firstly, it was not a paper leak, it was cheating. Those who cheated were held on the spot. In fact, Punjab should be rewarded for such swift action. Also, the matter is not of my department, but since the Cabinet has an overall responsibility, I cannot run away," Bains said. “I was the only state education minister who went to Jantar Mantar and supported students on the ground. If my resignation helps the education system, I am for it any time… But none can defame Punjab by claiming false paper leaks. It is no more Udta Punjab, it is Padhta Punjab," he added. Meanwhile, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal also denied any paper leaks in Punjab during nearly five years of AAP rule. Opposition Questions AAP’s Changing Stand Taking to X, BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya questioned when Bains will resign and accused Mann and Kejriwal of changing their stand over the paper leak issue. “When is Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains resigning?
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