‘You Harmed Future Of Youth’: Rahul Gandhi Hits Back At PM Modi, Calls For Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 10:16 IST

The Leader of the Opposition also reiterated the students' demands, calling on the government to sack Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

NEET Protest: Amid intensifying protests against the Centre over the NEET paper leak issue, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of causing the “greatest harm" to the future of India’s youth by allowing the country’s education system to be “captured and destroyed."

Responding to the Prime Minister’s post on safeguarding students’ interests and taking strict action against paper leaks, the Congress leader claimed that the Centre had not only failed to protect the education system but had also shielded those responsible for its depletion.

“You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system – and protected every person responsible for it," he said in a post on X.

The Leader of the Opposition also reiterated the students’ demands, calling on the government to sack Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, apologise to students, and take action against those accused of assaulting protesting students.

What PM Modi Said?

His reponse came after PM Modi announced the setting up of fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent punishment" for those involved in examination paper leaks, saying that the welfare and future of the country’s youth remain the government’s top priority.

“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," he said in a post on X.

Earlier this week, in his first remarks on the NEET-UG 2026 controversy after thousands of protesters marched towards Parliament demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described examination paper leaks as a “ghor paap (grave sin)" and stressed that those responsible must face strict punishment.

What’s Happeneing In Delhi?

Students from across the country and activists of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an online satirical collective, have been protesting at Jantar Mantar and others parts of Central Delhi demanding accountability for repeated examination paper leaks and also seeking resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protestors had planned to march to the parliament house on Monday but the Delhi Police intervened and prevented the same.

The protest witnessed clashes, tear gas shelling, allegations of excessive force by police, counter-allegations of violence by protesters, detentions, and widespread disruption across central Delhi.

Police said the crowd turned violent, leading to stone-pelting, attacks on police personnel and damage to public property. According to Delhi Police, 178 people were injured in the clashes, including 118 police personnel and around 60 protesters. On the other hand, the CJP claimed that police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas against peaceful demonstrators, resulting in injuries to hundreds of protesters.

About the Author

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre...Read More

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