Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the ongoing protests concerning NEET and other competitive examination irregularities, asserting the government's commitment to parliamentary discussion and reforms while criticizing the Congress and Rahul Gandhi for allegedly exploiting student issues for political gain.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the ongoing protests concerning NEET and other competitive examination irregularities, asserting the government's commitment to parliamentary discussion and reforms while criticizing the Congress and Rahul Gandhi for allegedly exploiting student issues for political gain.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the ongoing protests concerning NEET and other competitive examination irregularities, asserting the government's commitment to parliamentary discussion and reforms while criticizing the Congress and Rahul Gandhi for allegedly exploiting student issues for political gain.

Amid mounting protests in Delhi led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in the NEET and other competitive examinations, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has issued his first response, accusing the Congress and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of exploiting students for political gains.

Pradhan said the Centre remains committed to holding a discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament and addressing the genuine concerns of students.

In a post on X, the minister criticised Gandhi and the Congress for staging a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, alleging that the protest was aimed at creating political confrontation rather than facilitating democratic debate.

"LoP Shri @RahulGandhi and @INCIndia continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. They chose to stage a dharna outside the Hon'ble Prime Minister's residence, causing inconvenience to the public and disregarding established security protocols," Pradhan wrote.

He claimed that despite the government's willingness to discuss the issue in Parliament, the Congress opted for "political spectacle" instead of constructive engagement.

"For Rahul Gandhi, this is not about students. This is about manufacturing confrontation after every genuine avenue for discussion has been opened," he said.

Reiterating the government's position, Pradhan said it is committed to addressing concerns over NEET and implementing necessary reforms.

"We owe our students more than outrage. We owe them answers, reforms and accountability. That is exactly what our government remains committed to delivering," he added.

Pradhan's remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several senior party leaders staged a surprise protest outside the Prime Minister's residence, demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities. Police later removed the protesters from the site. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also joined the demonstration.

The CJP has been protesting in the national capital since June 20, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system, and Pradhan's resignation. On July 20, clashes broke out at several locations after protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, prompting police to use lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.