Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge targeted PM Modi and demanded a statement in Parliament on NEET paper leak. He also called for the dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology to the students.
Opposition attacks NEET leak, demands Pradhan’s resignation
New Delhi [भारत]July 24 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his video message on the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Kharge demanded that the Prime Minister make a statement in Parliament, sack Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and apologize to the students protesting over the issue.
In a post on X, Kharge said that the Prime Minister should speak in Parliament instead of making statements outside the House. Kharge said, “When the Parliament is in session, the Prime Minister has to give a statement on the floor of the Parliament, he does not have to make a video late at night and make a unilateral “Mann Ki Baat” outside the Parliament!!”.
He further said, “@narendramodi ji, before coming to Parliament today, please sack Dharmendra Pradhan. First apologize to the students and take strict action against those who ordered the use of sticks, batons and pellet guns to suppress the voice of the students. Then we are ready for a detailed discussion on the education system.” When the Parliament is in session, the Prime Minister has to give a statement on the floor of the Parliament, he does not have to make a video late at night and give a one-sided “Mann Ki Baat” outside the Parliament. @narendramodi ji, before coming to Parliament today, please dismiss Dharmendra Pradhan. First apologize to the students and… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 24, 2026
Kharge’s comments come after PM Modi’s statement in which he had said that “even more strict” action would be taken against those involved in the paper leak. He also announced that the Union Cabinet will consider a draft bill that proposes fast-track courts and harsher punishment for criminals.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also reiterated the opposition’s demands, of which the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is the central demand. Gandhi posted on
PM Modi assured strict action
Earlier, in a self-recorded video shared on Twitter, the Prime Minister said, “I have instructed departments to set up fast-track courts.” He also said that the draft bill, which includes provisions for fast-track courts and harsher punishment, will be discussed in the Cabinet and efforts will be made to get it passed in Parliament as soon as possible. PM Modi said, “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.”
Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike, opposition protest continues
The opposition is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a detailed discussion on the NEET paper leak issue in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, and is protesting inside and outside the House.
Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Friday said its protest at Jantar Mantar will continue till Pradhan’s resignation, even as activist Sonam Wangchuk ended her 26-day hunger strike after getting a written assurance from the central government on the NEET exam issue and systemic reforms.
In a post on
The CJP delegation is scheduled to discuss the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and reforms in the exam system with Union ministers at the Constitution Club of India on Friday at 12.30 pm.
Wangchuk ended his hunger strike in the presence of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital after receiving the written assurance. Wangchuk said in a video message shared on (ANI)
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