Rampant corruption in exams taking young lives, says Priyanka over U.P. NEET aspirant death

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday (May 15, 2026) mourned the alleged suicide of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) aspirant Ritik Mishra in Lakhimpur Kheri and targeted recurring exam irregularities and cancellations for driving students into severe distress. She said millions of aspirants faced a psychological burden after repeated disruptions in competitive examinations.

“The news of Rithik Mishra’s suicide in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, is deeply saddening. My deepest condolences to Rithik’s grieving parents and family. According to the victim’s family, Rithik was under mental stress due to the cancellation of the NEET exam. The rampant corruption in the exams is taking the lives of young people. The futures of millions of students are being ruined every year. When will this cycle stop? When will accountability be fixed?,” Ms. Vadra wrote on X. 

This was Mr. Ritik Mishra’s third NEET attempt, and he was highly confident of clearing the exam this time, his father said. 

“The Modi government has done the biggest betrayal with the youth. This government came on the promise of jobs and employment, and conducting competitive exams on time. But under this government, the dreams of youth, students and youngsters were shattered. Examination needs to be conducted cleanly and transparently. Leaking of papers has become a common thing. Posts are being sold. Reservation in recruitments is being robbed. A promising student from Kheri committed suicide after being saddened by the leak of NEET papers. The Modi government is responsible for this. This is a government that kills the dreams of the youth,” said senior Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Anil Yadav. 

(Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies can seek help and counselling by calling Sanjivini, Society for Mental Health, telephone: 011-40769002)