Opposition MPs Protest in Parliament, Demand Removal of Education Minister Over NEET Paper Leak Issue

Opposition MPs on Friday continued their protest against the alleged NEET-UG paper leak for the fourth consecutive day, gathering at Parliament’s Makar Dwar with placards and banners demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protesters raised slogans targeting Pradhan over the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination, which has become a major issue during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The demonstration came a day after a heated confrontation between MPs from the ruling NDA and the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, as both groups held counter-protests at the same location.

While the Opposition has been pressing for the Education Minister’s resignation, the NDA has accused opposition parties of disrupting proceedings and avoiding a discussion on the matter. The Congress reiterated its position on social media platform X, listing three demands related to the controversy. The party called for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, action against those accused of using force against protesting students, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country’s youth.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the Prime Minister over his remarks on the NEET-UG paper leak issue, saying that the matter should be addressed on the floor of Parliament rather than through a recorded video message outside the House. Kharge urged Prime Minister Modi to first remove the Education Minister, apologise to students affected by the controversy, and take strict action against officials accused of using force during student protests. He added that the Opposition was ready for a detailed debate on reforms in the education system.

The Congress leader’s comments came after PM Modi said that strict measures would be taken against those involved in examination irregularities. The Prime Minister also said that the Union Cabinet would examine a draft law proposing the establishment of fast-track courts and tougher punishments for individuals involved in paper leaks.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi accused the government of responding harshly to student demonstrations. In an opinion piece published in The Hindu, she alleged that peaceful protests had been met with excessive force and urged authorities to stop the crackdown and engage in dialogue with students.

Gandhi referred to the July 20 Parliament march as a troubling incident, alleging that protesters faced action from Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces, including the use of lathis and tear gas. She called for a more sensitive approach, stating that young protesters should be treated as future citizens rather than adversaries. The NEET-UG controversy continues to dominate political discussions, with the Opposition demanding accountability and the government maintaining that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of examination-related misconduct.