Rahul Gandhi Demands Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation, Refuses Talks with Government Over NEET Row

Rahul Gandhi Demands Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation as the political deadlock over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against protesting students intensified on Friday. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the Congress and other Opposition parties would not engage in any discussion with the government until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns and Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologises for the alleged police action against students in New Delhi.

Speaking to reporters inside the Parliament House complex, Rahul Gandhi also alleged that he was prevented from responding during Lok Sabha proceedings after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju made remarks inviting the Opposition to participate in a debate on the NEET controversy.

Rahul Gandhi Sets Three Conditions Before Any Discussion
Addressing the media, Rahul Gandhi made it clear that the Opposition would not participate in discussions unless its core demands were met.

According to him, the students' movement has three key demands:
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign, taking responsibility for the alleged examination paper leak.
Action should be taken against those responsible for the alleged police crackdown on protesting students in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise to students over the alleged police action.
Rahul Gandhi said these demands reflect the concerns raised by students across the country and asserted that there would be no dialogue with the government before the Education Minister is removed from office.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges He Was Not Allowed to Speak in Lok Sabha
The Congress leader also accused the government of suppressing the Opposition's voice inside Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi claimed that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had appealed to Congress MPs to begin a discussion on the NEET issue. However, when he attempted to respond, he alleged that he was not given an opportunity to speak.

According to Rahul Gandhi, his microphone was switched off when he rose to present the Opposition's position in the Lok Sabha.

He argued that parliamentary convention allows members who are directly referred to during debates to respond, but alleged that this principle was not followed in his case.

Parliament Continues to Witness Political Deadlock
The ongoing Monsoon Session has witnessed repeated adjournments since it began, with little legislative business being conducted.

The Opposition has consistently demanded a full-fledged debate on the alleged NEET paper leak, accountability for examination irregularities, and action over the police handling of student protests in Delhi.

The government, on the other hand, has maintained that it is prepared for a discussion but has accused the Opposition of imposing preconditions and disrupting parliamentary proceedings.
The disagreement has resulted in repeated disruptions in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

NEET Paper Leak Remains the Centre of Political DeOdds

The alleged NEET paper leak has emerged as one of the biggest political issues during the current Parliament session.

Opposition parties have accused the government of failing to protect the integrity of national entrance examinations, while also demanding accountability from the Education Ministry.

The Centre has defended its response, highlighting arrests made in connection with the alleged paper leak, the establishment of fast-track courts, and proposed amendments to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act.

Despite these measures, the Opposition continues to insist that ministerial accountability is essential before any parliamentary discussion can proceed.

Government and Opposition Remain at Odds
The standoff between the ruling NDA and the Opposition has now extended beyond Parliament.
While the government has urged Opposition parties to participate in discussions without conditions, Congress and its allies have maintained that accountability must precede debate.

Political observers believe that unless both sides reach a consensus, the ongoing Monsoon Session may continue to witness disruptions, delaying the passage of key legislation.

The statement by Rahul Gandhi has further intensified the political confrontation over the alleged NEET paper leak. By insisting on the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi before any discussions begin, the Congress has hardened its stance. With Parliament repeatedly disrupted and both sides refusing to compromise, the controversy is expected to remain at the centre of national politics in the coming days.