Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly using students as political tools during the recent CJP protests over NEET exam irregularities.
Chandigarh, India Jul 22, 2026 ALN: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday broke his silence on the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest over the alleged NEET paper leak and exam irregularities, accusing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of "shamelessly exploiting students as political tools" to disrupt the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The statement marked Pradhan's first public response after the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest in Delhi, where police lathi charged protesters, and a political face-off between the opposition and the BJP-led Centre over the alleged examination irregularities. The protest, which has garnered significant media attention, highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition regarding educational policies and the integrity of examination processes in India.
In a post on X, Pradhan alleged that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress had staged a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, causing inconvenience to the public and disregarding established security protocols. This incident illustrates the growing polarization in Indian politics, particularly around issues that directly affect the youth, such as education and employment opportunities.
"LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi and INCIndia continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament," he wrote. This accusation reflects a broader narrative in which political parties often target each other over their handling of student issues, with the ruling party emphasizing its commitment to dialogue while the opposition seeks to highlight perceived failures.
The education minister said the government had already conveyed its readiness for a comprehensive discussion on the issue in Parliament, but claimed that the Congress had chosen "political spectacle over democratic debate." This assertion raises questions about the effectiveness of parliamentary procedures in addressing urgent student concerns, especially in a context where protests have become a common method for students to voice their grievances.
"Their objective was never solutions for students; it was disruption for political headlines," Pradhan said. This statement underscores the ongoing debate about the role of political parties in student activism, with critics arguing that political agendas often overshadow genuine student needs.
He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi was seeking to "manufacture confrontation" despite what he described as every genuine avenue for discussion being open. This perspective suggests a growing frustration among ruling party officials regarding the opposition's tactics, which they view as counterproductive to achieving meaningful solutions.
Reiterating the Centre's stand, Pradhan said the government remained willing to discuss NEET and other concerns raised by students during the ongoing Monsoon Session. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a crucial examination for students aspiring to enter medical colleges in India, making its integrity and transparency a matter of significant public interest.
"Our Government remains 100% committed to discussing NEET and addressing every genuine concern of our youth on the floor of the House," he said. This commitment is particularly important given the backdrop of rising youth disillusionment with the political process, especially regarding issues that directly affect their future.
"The students of India deserve far better than being treated as props in a political campaign. They deserve certainty over chaos, solutions over slogans and responsibility over disruption." This statement reflects a growing consensus among educators and policymakers that student issues should be prioritized over political maneuvering, emphasizing the need for a more collaborative approach to educational reform.
Dharmendra Pradhan's remarks came after a day of high political drama in the national capital. Thousands of CJP supporters marched towards Parliament demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak and repeated examination irregularities. This protest is indicative of a larger movement among students who feel their voices are not being heard in the corridors of power.
Crowds swelled through the weekend and by Monday morning, columns of people – many of them students, first-time agitators, and young professionals – had defied a steady monsoon drizzle and heavy police barricading to join what is the first public protest in Modi’s third term. The mobilization of such a large number of young people reflects a significant moment in Indian politics, where youth activism is increasingly becoming a force to reckon with.
Officials admitted that they had underestimated the strength of the gathering and put it at about 35,000, but protesters and eyewitnesses said the number was at least twice as much. Roughly 2,000 police personnel and 20 companies of paramilitary forces were deployed. The heavy police presence and subsequent clashes highlight the tensions between the state and civil society, particularly in contexts where protests are met with force.
Throughout the day, central Delhi reverberated with the booming sound of tear gas shells fired at protesters; police said the agitators turned violent and pelted stones. Delhi Police said 118 personnel, including senior officers, were wounded. The exact number of injured protesters was not immediately known. However, reports said the wounded could be in the hundreds — with officials at one government hospital confirming "at least 100" protesters being treated for injuries. The police put the number of injured protesters at 60. This situation raises critical questions about the right to protest in a democracy and the appropriate responses from law enforcement during such events.
Addressing reporters after the protest, Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of failing India's youth and said repeated paper leaks had robbed millions of students of fair opportunities. His remarks resonate with a growing sentiment among students who feel that the government has not adequately addressed their concerns regarding examination integrity and access to quality education.
The BJP, however, has maintained that it is prepared to hold a detailed discussion on the issue in Parliament and has accused the opposition of attempting to disrupt the functioning of the House instead of participating in a democratic debate. This back-and-forth between the parties illustrates the ongoing struggle for narrative control in Indian politics, especially on issues that matter deeply to the electorate.
As this political drama unfolds, the implications for students and the education system in India remain significant. The NEET controversy not only affects the immediate future of aspiring medical students but also raises broader questions about the state of educational governance, accountability, and the role of political parties in shaping educational policy. The ongoing protests and political responses will likely continue to shape the discourse around education in India, as students demand accountability and transparency in a system that they feel has let them down.
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