24 July,2026 11:47 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Rahul Gandhi. Pic/PTI
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his video message on the alleged NEET paper leak controversy, reiterating the Congress party's demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a post on X, Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of failing to address the core demands of protesting students and called for action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities in the examination process.
Reacting to the Prime Minister's announcement that the Centre would introduce stricter measures against examination paper leaks, Gandhi said 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."
The Congress leader's remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Modi announced that the Union Cabinet would discuss a draft Bill providing for stricter action against paper leak cases.
The alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) have triggered protests in several parts of the country, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the Centre.
The Congress and other opposition parties have repeatedly called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government has failed to adequately address concerns surrounding the examination process.
The Centre has maintained that it is taking steps to strengthen the legal framework against examination fraud and has proposed introducing legislation providing for stricter punishment in paper leak cases.
Meanwhile, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike but said the party's agitation would continue.
"We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country," Dipke said in a post.
He added that the CJP's peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
Earlier in the day, Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike at Safdarjung Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, doctors and family members.
His 26-day fast had drawn nationwide attention and prompted appeals from across the political spectrum, with around 65 Members of Parliament urging him to end the protest.
The conclusion of the hunger strike followed discussions between government representatives and those associated with the protest over issues related to examination reforms and accountability.
The alleged NEET paper leak has emerged as a major political issue, with student protests, opposition criticism and demands for reforms keeping pressure on the Centre.
