Rahul Gandhi hit out at PM Modi’s video on paper leaks, calling it ‘pathetic’ and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The PM had promised stricter action and fast-track courts to tackle the NEET exam controversy.
Rahul Gandhi demands Education Minister’s resignation
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his video message, in which he promised to take stricter action on the paper leaks in Friday’s Cabinet meeting. Rahul Gandhi set out three conditions, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and action against those who beat students Refering to the video the PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi said, “Mr Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Don’t insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video.” Mr. Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Don’t insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video. 1. Sack Pradhan. 2. Punish those who beat students. 3. Apologise https://t.co/7SLB6pQqZx — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2026 “1. Sack Pradhan. 2. Punish those who beat students. 3. Apologise,” the Congress leader demanded.
In another development, Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after 26 days on Friday in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.
PM Modi promises stricter action, fast-track courts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday promised that “more strict” action would be taken against paper leaks as the CJP-led protests continue over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. In a self-recorded video shared on X, the Prime Minister announced that the Union Cabinet will take up a draft Bill providing for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishment for offenders. he said, “I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts” The Opposition has been 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, with the controversy triggering protests inside and outside the House.
Along with the video, the Prime Minister wrote, “More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet!”
‘Culprits are in jail’: PM Modi
In the video, Modi said, “Friends, I know that paper leaks are not an ordinary matter. For lakhs of students and their parents, it is extremely painful. And that is why, in the last two and a half months since the paper leak incidents, several major steps have been taken. The culprits have been caught; they are currently in jail,” he said.
PM said, “Our most important responsibility was to ensure that a whole year for the students is not wasted. It was very important to conduct the exams immediately. The government used its full strength to arrange exams for nearly 22 lakh students in the shortest possible time. And just five or six days ago, on the 19th, the results were also announced. News of the happiness of successful students is coming from all over the country.”
Stressing that the government was not stopping there, PM Modi said, ” “However, we are not among those who are satisfied with just that. And therefore, today I have issued directions to the departments to set up Fast-Track Courts. The departments worked tirelessly and, late last night, provided me with a draft. This draft, which includes provisions for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishments, will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow,” he said.
The PM further said, “After incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, it will be given a final shape. Efforts will be made to get this Bill passed in the House as soon as possible, as the second week of the Parliament session begins on Monday.”
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.”
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the controversy, announcing that the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)