‘Committed To Discussing NEET’: Pradhan Hits Back At Rahul For Using Students As ‘Political Tools’

After Rahul Gandhi demanded his resignation, Dharmendra Pradhan accused Congress of turning students into political tools and claimed the opposition rejected the government’s offer for a detailed NEET debate.

New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday hit back at Rahul Gandhi over the continuing NEET controversy, accusing the Congress leader of using students as “political tools” to create disruption during Parliament’s Monsoon Session.

Pradhan’s response came after Rahul Gandhi demanded his resignation and sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the police action during recent student-led protests in Delhi.

Also Read: CJP Protest: Rahul Gandhi Demands PM Modi’s Apology to Students, Seeks Shah & Pradhan’s Resignation

Pradhan Accuses Congress of Choosing Protest Over Debate

In a post on X, Pradhan claimed the government had conveyed its willingness to hold a comprehensive discussion on NEET in Parliament. He alleged that Congress nevertheless chose to organise a protest near the Prime Minister’s residence.

LoP Shri @RahulGandhi and @INCIndia continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Shri @RahulGandhi and @INCIndia chose to stage a dharna outside the Hon'ble Prime Minister's residence , causing…

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 21, 2026

According to the education minister, the opposition preferred political confrontation and public spectacle over a democratic debate aimed at finding solutions for students.

He also accused the protesters of causing inconvenience to the public and disregarding established security arrangements.

‘Students Deserve Solutions, Not Slogans’

Pradhan said the Centre remained fully committed to discussing NEET and addressing every genuine concern raised by students.

He argued that young people deserved certainty, reforms and accountability rather than being used as symbols in political campaigns.

“We owe our students more than outrage. We owe them answers, reforms and accountability,” Pradhan wrote, adding that the government remained committed to delivering them.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Lead Protest Near PM Modi’s Residence Over Paper Leaks; Several Leaders Detained

Rahul Gandhi Had Demanded Resignation

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of failing to protect the future of students and demanded Pradhan’s resignation. He also criticised the police action against demonstrators during the CJP-led ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition leaders later participated in a protest near the Prime Minister’s residence. Several leaders were detained by Delhi Police and released later.