Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has intensified his criticism of the central government by throwing his full support behind students protesting over the alleged NEET examination paper leak. After meeting student representatives on Saturday, Gandhi declared that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remains a non-negotiable demand and urged the government to address the concerns of young people instead of suppressing their voices.
Addressing the media following the meeting, Gandhi praised the determination of the students and encouraged them to continue their movement peacefully despite the challenges they face. He alleged that government institutions were being used to pressure and intimidate protesters but insisted that such actions would not weaken their resolve.
According to Gandhi, the students represent the future of India, while attempts to silence their demands reflect outdated politics. He argued that no amount of government pressure could overpower a movement driven by young people seeking accountability and reforms. Expressing confidence in the protesters, he said their campaign would continue regardless of obstacles placed before them.
The Congress leader also renewed his demand for the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him politically responsible for the controversy surrounding the alleged examination irregularities. He stated that meaningful discussions on education reforms cannot begin unless political accountability is established.
Rahul Gandhi further called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly apologize to the students, claiming they had faced disrespect and unnecessary force during recent demonstrations. He criticized the government’s response to the protests, arguing that students deserve dialogue and justice rather than confrontation.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent remarks about receiving suggestions on education reforms, Gandhi said the issue extends beyond policy recommendations. In his view, the central concern remains accountability, and he reiterated that the removal of the Education Minister is the primary demand of the protesting students.
In a message shared on social media after the meeting, Gandhi reaffirmed that the students’ three principal demands remain unchanged. These include the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, action against those responsible for the alleged use of force against student protesters, and an apology from the Prime Minister for the government’s handling of the crisis.
The protests, which began over allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination process, have expanded into a broader movement calling for transparency, accountability, and comprehensive reforms in India’s examination and recruitment systems. Student organizations continue to stage demonstrations in several parts of the country, maintaining pressure on the government to respond to their demands.
As political tensions continue to rise, the issue has become a major point of confrontation between the ruling government and the Opposition, with Parliament also witnessing repeated disruptions over the controversy. The coming days are expected to be crucial as both sides remain firm in their positions while students continue their nationwide campaign for reforms.
