Government Open to NEET Discussion Amidst Political Tensions

The Central government has expressed its readiness to discuss the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) in Parliament, amidst ongoing protests led by Rahul Gandhi. The situation escalated as Gandhi initially sought a debate but later added demands for the resignation of the Education Minister. This political controversy highlights the tensions surrounding the NEET examination and the alleged paper leak, with the Opposition pressing for accountability while the government maintains its willingness to engage in dialogue. The protests have drawn significant attention, leading to the detention of several Congress leaders by Delhi Police.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2026, 10:41 IST

Government's Stance on NEET Protests

Police personnel engage with Rahul Gandhi during the Congress protest demanding action over the NEET issue in New Delhi on Tuesday (Photo - @RahulGandhi / X)

New Delhi, July 22: On Tuesday, the Central government expressed its willingness to engage in discussions in Parliament regarding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the student protests associated with it. This announcement came alongside accusations directed at Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi for altering his demands after initially calling for a debate.

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government had agreed to Gandhi's request for a parliamentary discussion on NEET. However, he claimed that the Congress leader later added a new condition, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Singh remarked, "The government is prepared to discuss all matters related to NEET and the ongoing movement in Parliament," criticizing Gandhi's actions as "inconsistent with democratic norms" and unbefitting for someone in his position.

This statement followed a meeting between Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and Rahul Gandhi at the protest site near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. There, Gandhi, along with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders, was participating in a sit-in demanding the Prime Minister's resignation due to police actions against students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak.

Singh mentioned that the government had urged Gandhi to end the protest, citing that the location was not appropriate for demonstrations and was causing public inconvenience.

Initially, Gandhi indicated he would call off the protest if the government agreed to discuss the NEET issue in Parliament. After receiving approval from the government’s leadership, Singh informed Gandhi that his request had been accepted.

However, Singh alleged that Gandhi later introduced an additional demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside the parliamentary debate.

Furthermore, Singh pointed out that the Congress party had not submitted any formal notice requesting a discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament, despite their public demands.

Later that evening, Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and several other Congress leaders from the protest site.

The ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET examination and the alleged paper leak has escalated into a significant political issue, with the Opposition calling for accountability from the Centre, while the government remains open to discussing the matter in Parliament.