Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday broke his silence on the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), describing it as the "B team of disruptive elements" and accusing it of working against the country's progress.
Speaking to NDTV, Pradhan said, "They are the B team of disruptive elements. Those who were rejected in democracy have come in disguise and are now after the system. They raise slogans for those who want the country to be broken. They have been identified."
The CJP, led by Abhijeet Dibke, has been demanding Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.
The Union Minister also criticised teachers found involved in the paper leak, calling them "protectors who turned predators". He said those entrusted with safeguarding students' futures had betrayed that responsibility.
Pradhan further targeted Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of the government in the NEET paper leak row, accusing him of attempting to create fear among students and disrupt their exam preparations.
"The Opposition has the right to ask questions. But three days before the re-exam, Rahul Gandhi held a programme in Kota to scare students and derail their preparations," Pradhan alleged.
Accusing the Congress party of indulging in "low-level politics", Pradhan said the Opposition was trying to create an atmosphere of anarchy around the issue instead of supporting students during a crucial period.
His remarks come two days after more than 22 lakh medical aspirants appeared for the NEET UG re-examination, which was conducted over a month after the original exam was scrapped following allegations of a paper leak.
