Punjab Paper Leak Row: Bhagwant Mann, BJP Trade Charges Over Student Exams

The ongoing paper leak controversy has triggered a fresh political showdown in Punjab, with the Aam Aadmi Party government and the BJP trading sharp accusations against each other over exam integrity. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted on Sunday that "not a single paper-leak" has occurred in Punjab during the last four and a half years under his government. However, he asserted that few cheating incidents had occurred that were dealt with immediate police action. Mann highlighted the arrest of organised cheating gangs and said the state acted within minutes to prevent malpractice. Meanwhile, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains defended the government's commitment to accountability and transparent examinations. The BJP, however, accused the AAP government of double standards, alleging that it is protecting its own ministers while demanding resignations elsewhere over paper leak controversies. The political exchange has intensified the debate over exam reforms, accountability, and the credibility of recruitment and competitive examinations.