Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over its handling of the ongoing student protests linked to alleged NEET examination irregularities, accusing the government of being “anti-youth” and calling for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign.
Addressing reporters in Delhi, Priyanka Gandhi said the government was responding to public protests with force instead of engaging in dialogue, and urged it to address students’ concerns by fixing the education system.
Priyanka Gandhi Demands Minister’s Resignation
Making a strong appeal for political accountability, the Congress leader said the Education Minister should step down, arguing that ministers were expected to accept responsibility for failures in the past.
She said, “They are absolutely anti-youth. They are anti-youth, anti-poor, and anti-farmers. It’s been 12 years, and we are all seeing this. When farmers protest, you suppress them. Now you are suppressing the children. They are children. Listen to them. What is going to happen if you listen to them peacefully? It is the Minister’s responsibility. The Minister should resign. There was a time when ministers used to take responsibility. I remember there was a train accident in the 1980s. The very next day, the Minister resigned. So resign. Take responsibility. And, most importantly, fix the system.”
Remarks Come Amid Continuing Student Protests
Her comments come as protests over the alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities continue to dominate the political landscape. The demonstrations, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have witnessed confrontations between protesters and police near Parliament during the Monsoon Session.
Opposition parties have demanded accountability over the examination controversy, while the government has maintained that strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible for any wrongdoing.
Political Heat Rises Over NEET Issue
Priyanka Gandhi’s remarks add to the Opposition’s demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The BJP, however, has defended its handling of the issue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently assuring that the future of students would not be compromised and that those responsible for irregularities would face strict punishment.
The NEET controversy is expected to remain one of the key issues during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Q1. What did Priyanka Gandhi say about the government?
Answer: Priyanka Gandhi alleged that the government is “anti-youth, anti-poor and anti-farmers” and criticised its response to the ongoing student protests.
Q2. Why did Priyanka Gandhi demand Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation?
Answer: She said the Education Minister should take responsibility for the alleged NEET examination irregularities and resign, arguing that ministers have historically stepped down over major failures.
Q3. What did Priyanka Gandhi say about the student protests?
Answer: She urged the government to listen to students peacefully instead of suppressing demonstrations, saying they deserve to have their concerns heard.
Q4. What is the political issue surrounding NEET?
Answer: Opposition parties have raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and are demanding accountability, while the government has said those responsible will face strict legal action.
