Rahul Gandhi Demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s Removal as NEET Row Intensifies

New Delhi, July 2026 : Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday sharpened his attack on the Centre over the NEET paper leak controversy, demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to address the concerns of students across the country.

In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi criticised the Prime Minister’s response to the controversy, saying students were seeking accountability rather than assurances.

“Mr. Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Don’t insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video. Sack Pradhan. Punish those who beat students. Apologise,” Rahul Gandhi wrote.

His remarks came after Prime Minister Modi announced that the Union Cabinet would discuss stricter measures to tackle examination paper leaks during its meeting on Friday. The Prime Minister had indicated that the government was committed to introducing stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of competitive examinations and prevent future irregularities.

The NEET controversy has become a major political flashpoint, with widespread allegations of examination irregularities and paper leaks triggering protests by students and Opposition parties across the country. The INDIA bloc has repeatedly demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the Centre has failed to ensure transparency and fairness in the examination process.

Opposition leaders have also accused the government of using excessive force against students protesting in the national capital and have called for action against those responsible for the alleged police crackdown.

Meanwhile, the student-led movement received a significant boost after social activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday. Wangchuk, who had been fasting in support of students demanding reforms in the examination system, broke his fast at Safdarjung Hospital in the presence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Minister of State Jitendra Singh, senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh-Ladakh, medical professionals and members of his family.

His prolonged fast had drawn nationwide attention and generated support from political leaders across party lines. According to reports, nearly 65 Members of Parliament had appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, citing concerns over his health and urging him to continue supporting the movement through other democratic means.

Reacting to Wangchuk’s decision, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke thanked the activist for what he described as an extraordinary act of courage.

In a statement, Dipke said Wangchuk’s sacrifice had awakened the conscience of the nation and inspired thousands of young people seeking justice in the education system. However, he clarified that the movement was far from over.

Dipke announced that the CJP-led peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from office. He reiterated that the protesters would maintain pressure on the government through peaceful democratic means until their demands were addressed.

With student demonstrations continuing, Opposition parties intensifying their campaign, and civil society activists joining the movement, the NEET paper leak controversy has evolved into one of the most contentious political issues confronting the Centre, placing increasing pressure on the government to respond to demands for accountability, reforms and greater transparency in the country’s examination system.