Rahul Gandhi Demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation, Meets Injured Student Amid NEET Protest Row

New Delhi, 24th July 2026: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday intensified the Congress’ attack on the Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accusing him of being responsible for the collapse of the country’s education system.

Addressing a press conference at his residence at 10 Janpath, Gandhi appeared alongside Sahil Lochab, a 19-year-old student who was injured during the July 20 student protest at Jantar Mantar.

Holding up the student’s injured hand and pointing to wounds on his back, Gandhi alleged that Sahil had been hit by pellets while participating in what he described as a peaceful demonstration.

“Dharmendra Pradhan is a criminal Education Minister. He has become the symbol of the collapse of our education system. He must resign. Thousands of students are on the streets because of him,” Gandhi said.
He also questioned the government’s claim that pellet guns were not used during the protest.

“The government says pellet guns were not used. My brother standing here lost vision in one eye while carrying the Tricolour during a peaceful protest,” Gandhi said.

Student Suffers Severe Eye Injury
The student, identified as Sahil Lochab, is a resident of Najafgarh in southwest Delhi and a student of the School of Open Learning (SOL), Delhi University.
According to his family, Sahil sustained serious injuries during the protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 and underwent surgery at the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre of AIIMS Delhi.

Doctors have reportedly informed the family that there is only a 1% chance of restoring vision in his injured right eye because of extensive damage to the pupil.
His mother, Jyoti, said Sahil had participated in previous protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and had joined the latest demonstration because he believed it was important for the future of students.
She added that Sahil had always aspired to become a police officer.

Parliament Remains Disrupted
The controversy continued to dominate Parliament, with proceedings in both Houses disrupted for the fifth consecutive day.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned until July 27, while the Rajya Sabha was briefly adjourned before resuming later in the day.
The Opposition has continued to demand Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, while the government has maintained that it is ready to hold a discussion on the issue.

Government Ready for Discussion
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was prepared to discuss the NEET issue in Parliament and appealed to the Opposition to allow the House to function.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted the government’s decision to establish fast-track courts for cases related to examination paper leaks, saying the move would ensure speedy trials and timely justice for students.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav also urged the Opposition to debate the issue inside Parliament instead of staging protests outside.

Opposition Steps Up Pressure
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal reiterated the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation, saying it reflected the sentiment of students across the country.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement in Parliament rather than addressing the issue through a video message.
Meanwhile, RJD MP Manoj Jha criticised the Prime Minister’s response, alleging that the government had failed to understand the concerns of students and young people.
TMC MP Saugata Roy also said that while the government’s proposals would be examined, the Education Minister should step down.

The protests were sparked by the alleged NEET UG paper leak and have evolved into a broader movement demanding accountability, examination reforms and justice for students allegedly injured during demonstrations in the national capital.