Rahul Gandhi Seeks Dharmendra Pradhan’s Removal After NEET Controversy

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to students protesting over alleged examination irregularities. Gandhi said the Opposition would not participate in discussions on the issue until these demands were addressed, intensifying the political confrontation between the Centre and Opposition parties during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Speaking outside Parliament, Gandhi alleged that his microphone was switched off in the House while he was attempting to respond to statements made by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. He said parliamentary protocol required him to be given an opportunity to reply after being mentioned, but claimed he was not allowed to speak. The allegation added to the Opposition’s criticism over the handling of discussions related to the student protests.

Gandhi said the Opposition’s position was based on three demands raised in connection with the ongoing agitation. These included the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability for alleged action against protesting students, and an apology from the Prime Minister. He stated that no discussion would take place until the Education Minister was removed from office, maintaining that the government must first respond to the concerns raised by students.

Also Read: Opposition Seeks Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Ahead Of NEET Discussion

Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had accused the Opposition of avoiding a discussion on examination paper leaks and other education-related matters. He urged all parties, including Opposition members, to approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to decide the date, timing, and rules for a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue. The government has maintained that it is willing to discuss the matter in Parliament.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar supported Gandhi’s claim that the Leader of Opposition was not allowed to speak, calling the incident unfortunate and undemocratic. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav said there was no deadlock between the Opposition and the government but reiterated that the Education Minister should resign on moral grounds before discussions proceed.

Congress MP Kumari Selja also backed the Opposition’s demands, raising concerns over the treatment of protesting students and calling for withdrawal of FIRs filed against demonstrators. The political dispute comes amid nationwide student protests over alleged NEET irregularities, with both the government and Opposition facing pressure to address concerns regarding examination transparency and accountability.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Raises Student Rights Concerns Over Delhi University Protest Advisory