Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Wednesday intensified the Opposition's attack on the Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak, asserting that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has "no moral right" to continue in office. Speaking during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Venugopal accused the government of failing to protect the integrity of India's examination system and demanded the minister's resignation. Reports of examination irregularities and the police action against student protesters have become key flashpoints in the ongoing session.
Addressing reporters outside Parliament, Venugopal alleged that the government had ignored repeated concerns raised by students and parents. "The Education Minister has no moral right to continue in his position after what has happened," he said, adding that accountability must begin at the highest level. He argued that the controversy has shaken public confidence in the country's competitive examination system and deserved a full discussion in Parliament. (thestatesman.com)
The Congress leader also criticised the government's handling of the protests over the alleged paper leak, claiming that students demanding justice were met with police action instead of answers. He described the issue as a national concern affecting the future of millions of young aspirants and urged the Centre to respond with transparency rather than confrontation. Opposition parties have maintained that the controversy extends beyond one examination and reflects broader concerns over the credibility of recruitment and entrance tests.
The Centre, however, has reiterated that it is prepared for a detailed debate on the issue in Parliament. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said the government is willing to discuss the matter, while the Education Ministry has maintained that investigations into the alleged paper leak are underway. The government has also stated that strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for examination-related irregularities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has earlier described the alleged NEET paper leak as a "grave sin" and assured that those responsible would face stringent legal action. Despite the government's assurances, Opposition parties continue to demand Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and greater political accountability. With repeated disruptions in Parliament and protests continuing outside, the NEET controversy remains one of the biggest political issues of the Monsoon Session, keeping the spotlight firmly on the Education Ministry and the government's handling of the crisis.
