Rahul Wants Pradhan’s Resignation For Calling Youth ‘Terrorists’

The Congress on Thursday intensified its attack on the Union government over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi renewing his demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and accusing him of failing the country’s students.

The political confrontation comes amid growing criticism of examination-related irregularities and concerns over student welfare. Seeking to turn the issue into a broader national campaign, the Congress announced a 40-day outreach programme titled ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ that will focus on education, employment opportunities and the challenges facing young people across the country.

Addressing the controversy, Gandhi accused the minister of targeting students instead of taking responsibility for recurring problems within the education system.

“Intoxicated by the arrogance of power, the Modi government has reached a point where the education minister labels students demanding their rights, fair examinations, and a secure future as ‘terrorists’,” Gandhi said in a post on X.

The Congress leader argued that the focus should be on accountability for examination failures rather than criticism of students who are raising concerns about the system.

“Just think about it: the person whose failures led to so many paper leaks, under whose watch 20 students lost their lives, and who plunged the futures of crores of young people into darkness — is today branding the aggrieved students and those raising their voices for them as ‘terrorists’,” he said.

According to Gandhi, the ruling BJP has repeatedly sought to delegitimise critics by attaching labels to those who challenge government policies.

“Labelling anyone who questions the government as a traitor — that is their politics,” he said.

Calling for immediate action, Gandhi added, “Dharmendra Pradhan ji, apologise immediately to the crores of young people in this country and resign for your failures.”

The controversy emerged after allegations that Pradhan referred to members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a group protesting against the NEET paper leak issue and student suicides, as a “B team of terrorists” during a confrontation. The remarks have since triggered strong reactions from opposition leaders and student organisations.

‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ outreach drive

As part of its response, the Congress unveiled an extensive nationwide campaign aimed at engaging directly with students and young people. The programme, titled ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’, will begin on June 30 and continue for 40 days.

Party leaders said the initiative would involve pamphlet distribution, street-corner meetings, campus interactions and discussions with students across educational institutions. The campaign is expected to culminate in demonstrations at district collectorates on August 1, followed by a major “Delhi Chalo” march on August 9.

To mark the launch of the initiative, the Congress organised simultaneous press conferences in 28 cities, including major educational hubs such as Jaipur, Kota and Sikar in Rajasthan.

Former Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar, addressing journalists in Delhi, said repeated examination scandals had weakened public confidence in the education system.

“The issue of exam integrity must be addressed seriously. Students’ futures should not be put at risk, and there is a need for greater accountability in such matters,” Tanwar said.

Leaders of the party’s student wing also stressed the need for direct engagement with young people. National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) president Vinod Jakhar said the campaign would serve as a platform for students to share their experiences and suggestions regarding education reforms.

“We will directly engage with students and youth to understand their concerns and suggestions regarding the education system. Their voices will be compiled and forwarded to top leadership,” Jakhar said.

Congress leaders say the campaign is intended not only to address the NEET controversy but also to highlight broader concerns regarding access to quality education, employment opportunities and the pressures faced by students.

Education system under political spotlight

Gandhi used the occasion to reiterate criticism he had previously made during an interaction with students in Kota, one of India’s largest coaching centres for competitive examinations.

“As for me — attack me all you want. I said it in Kota, and I say it again: today, this education system has merely become an extortion racket. I will not let it remain this way,” he said.

The Congress leader pledged to continue advocating for reforms that ensure fairness and accessibility in education.

“I will never stop raising the demand that every child receives affordable, quality education and fair examinations,” Gandhi said.

The escalating dispute has brought renewed attention to examination-related concerns, particularly the impact of paper leaks and intense academic pressure on students. Opposition parties have increasingly linked these issues to wider questions of governance and accountability within the education sector.

Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the minister’s alleged remarks and accused the government of dismissing legitimate student concerns.

“While we are demanding justice for students who died by suicide, he said CJP is a B team of terrorists. The education minister is calling the youth of this country terrorists,” Dipke alleged.