New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has intensified his attack on the Centre over the ongoing student protests linked to the alleged NEET paper leak, asserting that the demonstrators’ demands are non-negotiable. Addressing the media, the Congress leader called for the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability for the police action against protesters, and a public apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gandhi alleged that there were discussions within the government about shifting Dharmendra Pradhan to another ministry instead of removing him from the Cabinet. Rejecting such a possibility, he said transferring the minister would not address the concerns raised by students.
#WATCH | LoP, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi says, “…Students have three demands, and these are not negotiable demands… The first demand is that the Education Minister, who is corrupt, incompetent, and misaligned, has to be sacked… There’s some talk going on in Mr. Modi’s cabinet… pic.twitter.com/hKoXOQ4SSz
— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2026
According to the Congress leader, Pradhan has become a symbol of the failures surrounding the country’s examination system and must be removed rather than reassigned. He maintained that the demand for the minister’s resignation would remain central to the student movement.
Speaking about the police action during recent demonstrations, Gandhi referred to injuries sustained by several protesters, alleging that many students had suffered serious wounds during the crackdown. He said those responsible for planning and carrying out the action should be identified and held accountable through appropriate legal and administrative measures.
The Congress MP further accused the government of mishandling the situation and argued that the Prime Minister should publicly acknowledge the grievances of students. He said an apology from the country’s leadership was necessary, claiming that the future of young aspirants had been adversely affected by the controversy surrounding the examination process.
The remarks come amid continuing protests across parts of the country, where student groups and political organisations have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and broader reforms in the public examination system.
The Centre has maintained that strict legal action is being taken against those involved in examination-related malpractice and has defended its handling of the issue. Meanwhile, the political confrontation over the controversy continues to intensify as both the government and the Opposition seek to shape the narrative around one of the country’s most debated education-related issues.
