Kejriwal Targets Modi Over CUET Glitch, Sparks Political Row

Kejriwal Targets Modi Over CUET Glitch, Sparks Political Row

New Delhi: A fresh political controversy erupted after former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over reported technical glitches during the ongoing Common University Entrance Test (CUET), arguing that repeated examination-related problems reflected deeper failures in governance.

The remarks quickly gained attention on social media and triggered sharp responses from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), turning what began as a discussion about examination management into a broader political confrontation.

The latest controversy comes at a time when India's examination system remains under intense scrutiny following a series of issues involving competitive and entrance tests over the past two years.

What Happened During the CUET Examination?

Several candidates appearing for the CUET examination reported technical disruptions at various centres. Students complained of system slowdowns, login difficulties, delayed starts, and interruptions during computer-based tests.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts CUET, acknowledged certain technical issues and stated that measures were being taken to ensure affected candidates did not suffer any disadvantage.

While officials maintained that the problems were limited to specific centres, social media platforms were flooded with posts from students expressing frustration and anxiety.

For many candidates, CUET represents a crucial gateway to undergraduate admissions in central universities and several participating institutions across the country. Any disruption during the examination process inevitably raises concerns about fairness and transparency.

Students from West Bengal, including those preparing for admission to universities in Kolkata and other major education hubs, closely followed developments as reports emerged from different states.

Kejriwal's Fresh Attack

Reacting to the reports, Kejriwal used social media to criticize the Union government and revive an argument he has raised repeatedly in previous election campaigns.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader questioned how examination systems could continue to face operational failures despite technological advancements and years of administrative experience.

His comments included a renewed reference to the need for an "educated Prime Minister," a phrase he has used in the past while criticizing Modi's leadership style and decision-making.

The statement quickly became a trending political topic online, drawing both support and criticism.

Political observers noted that Kejriwal's intervention appeared aimed at connecting public frustration over examination management with broader questions about governance and accountability.

BJP Hits Back

BJP leaders responded swiftly, accusing Kejriwal of attempting to politicize an administrative issue.

Party spokespersons argued that isolated technical glitches should not be used to attack national leadership and pointed out that examination authorities were already addressing student concerns.

Several BJP leaders also accused the AAP chief of diverting attention from his own political challenges by making provocative remarks.

The exchange once again highlighted the increasingly sharp political rhetoric between opposition parties and the BJP ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

Exam Controversies Remain a Sensitive Issue

The CUET disruption comes against the backdrop of growing public concern over the conduct of national examinations.

In recent years, controversies involving recruitment tests, entrance examinations, paper leaks, and technical failures have sparked widespread debate about the integrity of India's testing infrastructure.

Education experts say the scale of modern entrance examinations creates enormous logistical challenges.

Millions of students now depend on digital platforms and centralized testing systems. Even minor technical failures can affect thousands of candidates and quickly become national issues.

"The pressure on examination agencies has increased dramatically as the number of applicants continues to grow," said education policy analyst Dr. Rohan Sen.

"Students expect reliability because these examinations often determine the direction of their academic and professional futures."

Impact on Students

For students, political arguments often matter less than the practical consequences of examination disruptions.

Many candidates reported heightened stress after encountering technical problems during their tests.

Some students said they feared losing valuable time during the examination, while others worried that system issues might affect their performance.

Parents have also voiced concerns about the consistency of examination arrangements.

With university admissions becoming increasingly competitive, even small disruptions can create anxiety among families investing years of preparation and significant financial resources.

In districts such as Purba Medinipur and Haldia, where many students aspire to secure seats in prestigious institutions through CUET, developments surrounding the examination are being followed closely.

Questions Over Examination Infrastructure

The latest episode has renewed discussions about the preparedness of testing infrastructure across India.

Experts argue that while digital examinations offer advantages such as faster processing and improved security, they also require robust technological systems capable of handling large-scale participation.

Frequent complaints about server capacity, connectivity issues, and centre-level technical failures have prompted calls for stronger monitoring mechanisms.

Education stakeholders have urged authorities to conduct detailed audits and establish contingency plans that can be activated immediately whenever technical problems arise.

Opposition Sees Opportunity

Opposition parties have increasingly focused on examination-related controversies as a political issue.

They argue that repeated disruptions indicate systemic shortcomings that require urgent attention from policymakers.

The government, meanwhile, maintains that India conducts one of the world's largest examination systems and that occasional technical challenges are inevitable in such a vast operation.

The debate reflects a broader political contest over governance standards, administrative efficiency, and public accountability.

What Happens Next?

The National Testing Agency is expected to review reports from affected centres and determine whether additional measures are necessary for candidates who experienced disruptions.

Officials have indicated that student grievances will be examined and appropriate action taken wherever justified.

Meanwhile, the political battle triggered by Kejriwal's remarks is unlikely to fade quickly.

As examination controversies continue to attract public attention, both the government and opposition parties are expected to use the issue to strengthen their respective narratives.

For lakhs of students awaiting admission outcomes, however, the primary concern remains simple: ensuring that every candidate receives a fair and uninterrupted opportunity to compete.