Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a sharp attack on Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him and the Congress party of using students as political instruments instead of sincerely addressing their concerns. The minister alleged that the Opposition was deliberately attempting to disrupt the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament despite the Centre expressing its willingness to discuss the NEET issue in detail.
Pradhan said the government remains fully committed to answering questions related to NEET and other education-related concerns on the floor of Parliament. However, he claimed that the Congress leadership had chosen agitation and political confrontation over constructive democratic engagement.
‘Students Being Used as Political Tools’
In a strongly worded statement, the Union Minister said Rahul Gandhi and the Congress were continuing to “shamelessly exploit students as political tools” to create disruption during the Monsoon Session.
He said, “Rahul Gandhi and Congress continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.”
According to Pradhan, the Opposition’s actions were aimed at generating political attention rather than finding practical solutions for students. He alleged that the protests were carefully planned to create confrontation despite opportunities for parliamentary discussion being available.
The minister argued that issues affecting students should be debated responsibly in Parliament instead of being converted into political campaigns outside the House.
Criticism Over Protest Near Prime Minister’s Residence
Dharmendra Pradhan also criticised Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders for staging a dharna near the Prime Minister’s residence. He said the demonstration caused inconvenience to the public while ignoring established security protocols around one of the country’s most sensitive locations.
The minister maintained that democratic protests must respect public convenience and security arrangements. He suggested that the Congress chose symbolic political protests despite the government’s willingness to discuss education-related matters inside Parliament.
The remarks came amid heightened political tensions during the Monsoon Session, where the Opposition has repeatedly sought discussions on various national issues, including concerns surrounding competitive examinations.
Government Says It Was Ready for Discussion
Emphasising the Centre’s position, Pradhan said the government had already conveyed its readiness for a comprehensive discussion on NEET and related concerns.
He accused the Congress of rejecting that opportunity and instead opting for political spectacle. According to him, the objective was not to secure justice for students but to create disruption and attract headlines.
The Education Minister asserted that Parliament remains the appropriate platform for debating issues affecting students and implementing reforms through democratic processes.
‘This Is About Political Confrontation, Not Students’
Pradhan further claimed that Rahul Gandhi’s approach was focused on manufacturing confrontation rather than resolving genuine concerns.
He said every legitimate avenue for discussion had been opened by the government, but the Congress continued to prioritise protests and political messaging. According to the minister, students should not become instruments in partisan political battles.
He argued that education-related challenges deserve thoughtful debate and policy-driven solutions instead of prolonged political confrontation.
Government Reiterates Commitment to NEET Reforms
The Union Minister reiterated that the government remains fully committed to addressing every genuine concern raised by students regarding NEET and other examinations.
He said the Centre is prepared to answer questions, introduce reforms where necessary and ensure accountability through parliamentary discussions. The government, he added, believes that India’s youth deserve clarity and confidence rather than uncertainty created by political conflict.
Pradhan stressed that the administration’s focus remains on strengthening the education system and ensuring transparency in examinations.
Focus on Accountability and Student Welfare
Concluding his remarks, Dharmendra Pradhan said the country owes students more than political outrage. He asserted that young aspirants deserve answers, reforms and accountability from those in positions of responsibility.
The minister said the government’s commitment is to provide solutions instead of slogans and certainty instead of chaos. He maintained that protecting students’ interests would continue to remain a priority, while accusing the Opposition of attempting to convert education-related issues into political campaigns.
His remarks have further intensified the political debate over NEET and education reforms during the Monsoon Session, with both the government and the Opposition continuing to exchange sharp allegations over the handling of student concerns.
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