Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday issued his first public response to the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. He accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of turning students into “political tools” to create disruption during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

His remarks came after the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest in Delhi triggered a political confrontation between the opposition and the BJP-led Centre, with clashes reported between protesters and police.

Dharmendra Pradhan targets Rahul Gandhi over protest

In a post on X, Pradhan alleged that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress had chosen political confrontation instead of participating in a parliamentary discussion on the issue.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi leads protest outside PM Modi’s residence, says ‘Voice of India’s students will not be ignored’

“LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi and INCIndia continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.”

Delhi Police detain Rahul Gandhi amid protest seeking PM Modi and Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
ZOOM IMAGE
Delhi Police detain Rahul Gandhi amid protest seeking PM Modi and Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation | ANI

The education minister also referred to the opposition’s protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, claiming it caused inconvenience to the public and ignored established security protocols.

Pradhan said the Centre had already expressed its willingness to hold a detailed discussion on NEET and student-related concerns inside Parliament. However, he alleged that the Congress preferred public protests over democratic debate.

“Their objective was never solutions for students, it was disruption for political headlines.”

He further said,”For Rahul Gandhi, this is not about students. This is about manufacturing confrontation after every genuine avenue for discussion has been opened.”

Government reiterates willingness to discuss NEET

Reaffirming the Centre’s position, Pradhan said the government remained ready to address concerns surrounding NEET and other examination-related issues during the Monsoon Session.

“Our Government remains 100% committed to discussing NEET and addressing every genuine concern of our youth on the floor of the House.”

He also said students deserved constructive solutions instead of political conflict.

“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.”

Pradhan added that the government would continue working towards delivering “answers, reforms and accountability” for students.

CJP protest sparks political confrontation

The minister’s statement followed a day of large-scale demonstrations in Delhi, where thousands of CJP supporters marched towards Parliament demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and recurring examination irregularities.

Also Read | PM Modi calls preventing NEET paper leaks a ‘national responsibility’, says guilty must face strictest punishment

The protest drew students, young professionals and first-time demonstrators despite persistent rain and extensive security arrangements. Police deployed around 2,000 personnel along with 20 companies of paramilitary forces. Officials estimated the crowd at around 35,000, while protesters claimed the turnout was significantly higher.

As the march progressed, clashes broke out between protesters and police. Authorities said some demonstrators turned violent and resorted to stone pelting, prompting the use of tear gas. According to Delhi Police, 118 personnel, including senior officers, were injured. The number of injured protesters remained unclear, with police putting the figure at 60, while reports indicated that hospitals treated many more.

Following the protest, Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of failing students by allowing repeated examination irregularities and alleged that the government was unwilling to take responsibility for the crisis. The BJP, meanwhile, maintained that it is prepared for a detailed discussion in Parliament and accused the opposition of disrupting the functioning of the House instead of participating in the debate.

FAQs:

What did Dharmendra Pradhan say about the CJP protest?

Dharmendra Pradhan accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of “exploiting students as political tools” and said the government is ready for a discussion on NEET in Parliament.

Why did the CJP organise the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest?

The CJP held the protest to demand accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and repeated examination irregularities, calling for action from the Centre.