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REET Exam Scandal Rocks Rajasthan: Gehlot Accuses BJP Government

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 18:09 GMT by ThePrint
      Locales: Rajasthan, INDIA

Jaipur, Rajasthan - January 22nd, 2026 - The controversy surrounding irregularities in Rajasthan's REET (Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Lecturers) and Senior Teacher Recruitment exams continues to escalate, with former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot intensifying his criticism of the current BJP government. Gehlot's accusations center on allegations of OMR sheet tampering and a perceived effort by the government to protect those involved in the unfolding scandal, hindering a fair investigation and denying justice to aspiring educators.

The root of the issue lies in widespread concerns over the fairness and validity of the REET-2021 and Senior Teacher Recruitment Exams, critical assessments designed to fill teaching positions in Rajasthan's government schools. Initial reports suggested anomalies, but recent investigations have unearthed a more serious situation - documented evidence of OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet tampering, allegedly leading to the recruitment of candidates who did not meet the required qualifications.

Gehlot's public statement delivered earlier today was sharp and direct, emphasizing the detrimental impact of political maneuvering on the pursuit of justice for the affected youth. "Political sparring will not give justice to the youth," he declared, underscoring the urgency of a transparent and impartial investigation. He further accused the government of prioritizing political posturing over a genuine effort to uncover the truth and hold accountable those responsible for the alleged fraud.

"The reality is that the government is trying to shield those involved in this scam," Gehlot asserted. This sentiment directly challenges the government's current approach, which involves a one-man inquiry committee headed by retired High Court Judge S.S. Rathore. While the establishment of this committee was intended to address the concerns, Gehlot has consistently called for a more robust investigation, specifically requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. He argues that an independent, national agency is necessary to ensure impartiality and overcome potential conflicts of interest within the state apparatus.

The state government's reliance on the Rathore committee has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and concerned citizens. Though the committee is gathering evidence, the speed and scope of the inquiry remain points of contention. Preliminary findings presented by officials to the Rathore committee have already revealed "massive irregularities," supporting allegations of OMR sheet manipulation and the subsequent recruitment of unqualified personnel. Details of these irregularities are expected to be released in the committee's final report, though a timeline for its publication remains unclear.

The ramifications of this scandal are significant. Beyond the immediate impact on the careers of those wrongly recruited, the incident has eroded public trust in the state's recruitment processes and the fairness of its government institutions. The affected candidates, who studied diligently and invested in preparing for the exams, feel betrayed and are demanding accountability. The lack of a clear and decisive response from the government has further fueled public anger and intensified the political pressure.

Experts in education governance are now advocating for a complete overhaul of the state's teacher recruitment procedures. This includes enhanced security protocols for exam centers, independent verification of OMR sheets, and the incorporation of advanced technological solutions to prevent tampering. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within recruitment systems and the need for constant vigilance and reform.

The political landscape in Rajasthan remains volatile as the controversy unfolds. Gehlot's continued attacks on the BJP government are likely to intensify in the coming weeks, putting further pressure on Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to take decisive action. The demand for a CBI investigation remains a central point of contention, and its acceptance or rejection will likely shape the future of the inquiry and the political narrative surrounding the REET exam scandal. The focus now shifts to the Rathore committee's findings and the government's willingness to act upon them to restore faith in the recruitment process and deliver justice to the aspiring teachers of Rajasthan.