New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has sharpened his criticism of the Centre over the ongoing student agitation linked to the alleged NEET paper leak, asserting that the protesters’ key demands cannot be diluted or negotiated. He maintained that the movement would not be satisfied with cosmetic measures and urged the government to take decisive action.
Addressing reporters, Gandhi said the first and foremost demand of the protesting students is the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He alleged that replacing the minister with another portfolio would not address the concerns raised by students and accused the government of attempting to find an alternative instead of accepting responsibility.
According to Gandhi, the controversy surrounding the examination system has severely damaged the confidence of young aspirants, and holding the Education Minister accountable is essential to restoring public trust. He argued that merely reshuffling the Cabinet would not resolve the issue.
The Congress MP also criticised the police action against demonstrators, claiming that several students had suffered injuries during recent protests. Referring to those hurt in the agitation, he alleged that many young protesters were subjected to excessive force and called for those responsible for the crackdown to face legal and administrative accountability.
He further demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly acknowledge the concerns of students and apologise for the handling of the crisis. Gandhi said the issue extends beyond examination irregularities and concerns the future and aspirations of lakhs of young people preparing for competitive examinations.
The remarks come as protests over the alleged NEET paper leak continue to generate political debate across the country, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of failing to protect the integrity of the examination process.
The Union government, however, has maintained that strict action is being taken against individuals involved in examination-related malpractice and has defended its response to the controversy. It has also reiterated its commitment to strengthening the examination system and ensuring that those responsible for any irregularities are brought to justice.
With Parliament witnessing repeated confrontations over the issue, the examination controversy has evolved into one of the most prominent political flashpoints, placing education reforms and accountability at the centre of the national discourse.
