‘Students Deserve Reforms, Not Outrage’: Dharmendra Pradhan Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Amid CJP Protest Over NEET Leak

New Delhi: Breaking his silence amid the growing political storm over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday asserted that India’s students deserve reforms, not outrage, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to improving the examination system and addressing every genuine concern.

His remarks came as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) intensified its protests demanding his resignation over the alleged irregularities surrounding the national medical entrance examination. The issue has triggered heated political exchanges during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, with the Opposition pressing for accountability.

In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Pradhan accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of exploiting students for political gain instead of participating in constructive discussions inside Parliament.

The Education Minister criticised Rahul Gandhi’s decision to stage a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, alleging that the protest disrupted public movement and ignored established security protocols. According to Pradhan, the government had already expressed its willingness to hold a detailed debate on the NEET controversy, but the Opposition preferred what he described as political theatrics.

Highlighting the government’s position, Pradhan said the Centre remains fully prepared to discuss the NEET UG 2026 paper leak in Parliament and take appropriate steps to strengthen transparency and accountability in the country’s examination process.
Pradhan claimed the Congress was more interested in creating headlines than finding solutions for students affected by the examination controversy. He argued that democratic institutions should be used for meaningful discussions rather than public confrontations designed to generate political attention.

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He stressed that students should not become instruments in political battles and deserve certainty, fairness and confidence in the education system. According to the minister, the government’s priority is to deliver reforms that ensure the integrity of competitive examinations while addressing the concerns raised by students and parents.

The controversy surrounding the alleged paper leak has sparked widespread protests across several parts of the country, with opposition parties demanding stricter action against those responsible and seeking greater accountability from the Education Ministry.

Meanwhile, the political confrontation over the issue shows no signs of slowing down. While the Opposition continues to target the government over the examination scandal, the Centre maintains that it is committed to implementing corrective measures and ensuring justice for affected students.

As Parliament remains divided over the issue, the NEET UG 2026 controversy continues to dominate the national conversation, with lakhs of aspiring medical students closely watching for concrete action and long-term reforms.