Political unrest has gripped the nation over the temporary restriction of Telegram in India ahead of the NEET UG 2026 retest, as senior opposition leaders questioned whether the move will prove fruitful in preventing exam malpractice.

Notably, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has restricted access to Telegram until June 22, 2026, a day after the NEET re-exam scheduled for June 21. The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny following the scrapping of the original NEET UG 2026 exam held on May 3 over allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Delhi’s former Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal were quick to react to the development, who argued that restricting access to a widely used education platform unfairly impacts students while failing to address the root cause behind paper leaks.

Rahul Gandhi questions logic on ‘X’

Taking to ‘X,’ Rahul Gandhi questioned whether other messaging platforms could face similar action in the future. His post read, “Instead of catching the thief, they are locking the victim’s house,” arguing that millions of students have relied on Telegram for years to access study material, test series, notes and academic discussions.

He also contended that depriving students of those resources does not constitute a meaningful solution to exam paper leaks. He described the measures surrounding the re-examination as ‘theatrics,’ and urged the Centre to focus on dismantling organised leak networks rather than imposing restrictions on students.

Kejriwal calls measures absurd

AAP leader Kejriwal also criticised the decision, terming the government’s approach ‘misguided.’ In a strongly-worded social media post, he questioned whether transporting exam papers under heightened security and restricting Telegram would genuinely prevent leaks.

Furthermore, he alleged that paper leaks have evolved into a large-scale racket and claimed that the existing measures do not demonstrate a serious commitment to eliminating malpractice.

Tamil Nadu BJP’s former chief voices similar concerns

K Annamalai, the former chief of Tamil Nadu BJP, expressed concern that the extensive security arrangements surrounding the retest could further increase the already intense pressure faced by students.

However, on the other hand, the NTA has defended its stance, saying the agency was determined to ensure a fair and malpractice-free examination process. It has also cautioned candidates against fabricated videos, manipulated screenshots and fake chat messages making rounds online.

Meanwhile, Telegram has challenged the temporary restriction before the Delhi High Court (HC), where its plea is expected to be heard soon.