New Delhi: From the endless saga of exam frauds to alleged EVM tampering, from the rise of the “new” star Priyanka Gandhi in the Congress, to the need for President’s rule in Manipur, and finally, the essence of true sacrifice on Eid-al-Adha — here’s a wrap of the big stories and editorials from the Urdu press this week.
‘Which paper is safe?’
On 21 June, in the context of the NEET and NET paper leaks, an editorial in the newspaper Siasat asked: “Which paper is safe?” Papers get leaked in various places, exams get cancelled, and candidates are left waiting for months, it added.
“Many people have suffered because of this. The entire country was shocked by what happened in Madhya Pradesh, where many lives were lost,” said the paper, referring to the Vyapam scam unearthed in 2013. Even exams for recruitment and appointments to government agencies were not fair and had to be cancelled due to irregularities, it added.
The editorial also warned of the danger of corruption in the examination system leading to corrupt people becoming doctors or government officials and perpetuating the problem.
On 19 June, Inquilab mentioned the NEET exam in its editorial, saying that “the system is promoting a mafia responsible for manipulation and irregularities in NEET results, jeopardising students’ futures”.
“Apart from the court, no one seems serious and honest about this issue. To protect our youth, a movement to revolutionise the education system through social awareness is needed,” it added.
On 16 June, Inquilab wrote in its editorial that this year, 2.4 million students appeared for the NEET exam, which is in the midst of a row over alleged irregularities in its conduct and results.
“No department, authority, or agency should be allowed to jeopardise the future of such a large number of students. Many sacrificed everything, worked tirelessly, and took loans for their education. 2.4 million students means 2.4 million stories of dreams, aspirations, plans, and sacrifices,” it said.
‘EVM tampering’
On 20 June, Siasat’s editorial addressed the allegations of EVM tampering in the wake of this year’s Lok Sabha polls, and urged opposition parties to handle the issue comprehensively and legally.
It emphasised the importance of taking the matter to a logical conclusion within India’s laws and Constitution. It also talked about the BJP’s poll losses and the growing support for the Opposition.
“It is their (opposition parties) responsibility to advance this issue in a broad and systematic manner. Legal assistance should be sought wherever possible. The path that should be taken must be within the scope of the country’s laws and Constitution,” said Siasat.
Priyanka Gandhi’s arrival on electoral scene
On 20 June, Inquilab wrote in its editorial that Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi faced no hurdle in winning from Kerala’s Wayanad constituency, from where she is set to contest the bypoll. It said her presence in the Lok Sabha would bolster the Opposition and would also elevate her political stature within the Gandhi family.
On 19 June, Siasat‘s editorial said a victory for Priyanka would boost the Congress’s chances of returning to power in Kerala.
“Priyanka’s presence could significantly raise the morale of Congress workers and bring the public closer to the party,” the editorial added.
President’s rule in Manipur
On 20 June, Roznama Rashtriya Sahara criticised the central government for its handling of the ethnic violence in Manipur, saying that more than a year had passed with no solid efforts to restore peace in the state.
It said that the state government’s “incompetence” and the Centre’s “disinterest” had allowed ethnic prejudice to spread. Violence continues daily, and security forces seem unable to control it, it added.
The editorial suggested removing Chief Minister N. Biren Singh or imposing President’s Rule in the state to address the crisis effectively. It further highlighted the urgency of action, questioning why the PM and the Union home minister had not prioritised visiting Manipur.
“What is the compulsion that prevents the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur, which has been burning with unrest?” asked the newspaper.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
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