NEET Row Deepens as Parliament Faces Fresh Disruptions

The NEET paper leak controversy intensified in New Delhi as Opposition protests disrupted Parliament. Rahul Gandhi also demanded accountability over alleged pellet-gun injuries, while the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remained unresolved.
 

NEET Protest Disrupts Parliament as Rahul Gandhi Targets Centre

New Delhi, July 24, 2026: The NEET protest disrupts Parliament for another day as Opposition MPs intensified their demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged examination paper leak. The political confrontation also widened after Rahul Gandhi raised concerns about serious injuries reportedly suffered by students during the recent protest in Delhi.

Opposition Intensifies Pressure Over Paper Leak

Proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha faced repeated disruptions after Opposition MPs raised slogans over the NEET controversy. Members entered the Well of the Lok Sabha and chanted demands for the Education Minister’s resignation.

Presiding officer Jagdambika Pal appealed to protesting MPs to allow the House to function. He said the government was prepared to hold a discussion and urged Opposition leaders to raise their concerns with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

The Opposition, however, maintained that accountability should come before any formal debate. MPs also demonstrated near Parliament’s Makar Dwar, carrying banners demanding Pradhan’s removal. The confrontation resulted in repeated adjournments in both Houses.

Rahul Gandhi Raises Student’s Eye Injury

Rahul Gandhi separately accused the Centre of using excessive force against students protesting over the alleged paper leak. After meeting injured protesters, he highlighted the case of Sahil, a 19-year-old student who reportedly suffered a severe injury to one eye.

Gandhi claimed that Sahil was carrying the national flag and participating peacefully when he was struck by a pellet-like projectile. He said doctors had not confirmed whether the student’s eyesight could be fully restored.

The Congress leader demanded action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak and against personnel involved in the reported use of pellet guns and batons. He also sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to students affected by the examination controversy.

Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns during the July 20 protest. Although medical documents and accounts from injured protesters have raised questions, no official evidence publicly available has conclusively established their use. The allegation therefore, remains disputed and requires an independent examination.

Pradhan’s Resignation Remains Central Demand

The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan continues to be the principal point of disagreement between the government and protesters. Gandhi described the minister as responsible for the deterioration of the education system and said demonstrations would continue until the students’ demands were addressed.

The government has expressed readiness to discuss the examination controversy in Parliament. Opposition parties have indicated that they may participate in a debate on stronger legislation against paper leaks, but are expected to question the implementation of the existing law against examination malpractices.

Government and CJP Continue Negotiations

Representatives of the CJP protest movement have also held discussions with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. According to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, the Centre agreed in principle to consider compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and the withdrawal of cases registered against protesting students.

However, the government sought additional time to respond to the demand for Pradhan’s resignation. Further negotiations were expected as protesters continued to press for ministerial accountability and wider reforms to prevent examination fraud.
The simultaneous protests in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, and the continuing government–CJP negotiations show that the NEET controversy has moved beyond an examination dispute. It has developed into a wider political debate over institutional accountability, student safety, and public confidence in India’s examination system.