Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday responded publicly to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy for the first time, accusing the Congress and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of using student protests for political purposes, as demands for his resignation continued inside and outside Parliament.
In a post on X, Pradhan said the government remained willing to discuss the issue in Parliament and alleged that the Congress had "shamelessly" used students "as political tools to manufacture disruption" during the Monsoon Session. Referring to the party's protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, he said it violated established security protocols and caused inconvenience to the public.
"For Rahul Gandhi, this is not about students. This is about manufacturing confrontation after every genuine avenue for discussion has been opened," Pradhan said.
The minister also said, "We owe our students more than outrage. We owe them answers, reforms and accountability. That is exactly what our government remains committed to delivering."
Pradhan's remarks came a day after Delhi Police stopped the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) 'Chalo Sansad' march using tear gas and lathi charges. The student outfit has been demanding the minister's resignation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities. The protest also drew support from activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike.
On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several Opposition leaders staged a sit-in outside the Prime Minister's residence, protesting the police action against students. Delhi Police detained multiple leaders, including Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Charanjit Singh Channi, before releasing them later in the day. Congress alleged that Rahul Gandhi was injured during the detention.
The controversy comes amid continuing protests over the alleged paper leak and renewed Opposition demands for Pradhan's resignation. The issue has also become a major point of contention during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, with both the government and the Opposition seeking a debate on the matter.
