Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, July 24: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video message on the alleged NEET paper leak controversy, accusing the government of ignoring the concerns of protesting students and demanding the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

In a post on social media platform X late on Thursday night, Rahul Gandhi said students across the country were demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. He criticised the Prime Minister for releasing what he described as a "midnight video message" instead of addressing the students' demands directly, alleging that such a response underestimated the intelligence and concerns of young people.

Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Mr. Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Do not insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video.”

The Congress leader further outlined three specific demands in his statement. He called for the immediate removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from office, demanded strict action against those responsible for allegedly attacking protesting students, and insisted that the government issue a public apology to the students for the manner in which the situation had been handled.

The remarks came amid the continuing student protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over allegations of the NEET question paper leak and broader concerns regarding irregularities in India's examination system. Demonstrators have maintained that the credibility of the country's competitive examination process has been severely undermined and have consistently demanded accountability from the Ministry of Education. The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan has remained one of the central demands of the movement.

The controversy has sparked a nationwide political debate, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of failing to protect the integrity of one of India's most important entrance examinations. Student organisations and education activists have also called for comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in future examinations.

Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video message lasting nearly three minutes, addressing the paper leak controversy. In his statement, the Prime Minister announced that the government would introduce a new law providing for the establishment of fast-track courts to deal with examination paper leak cases and imposing stricter punishments on those found guilty of such offences. He also indicated that the proposed legislation would be discussed at the Union Cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday.

Shortly after the Prime Minister's address, Rahul Gandhi issued his response, arguing that policy announcements alone were insufficient unless accompanied by political accountability. He maintained that students were seeking concrete action rather than assurances and reiterated that the Education Minister should be held responsible for the alleged failures in the examination system.

The exchange between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition has further intensified the political confrontation over the NEET paper leak controversy, which continues to dominate national discussions on education reforms, examination transparency, and government accountability. As protests continue and the Centre prepares to consider new legislation, the issue remains one of the country's most closely watched political and educational developments.