NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over their protest on the NEET issue, alleging that students were being used as political tools to create disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The remarks were made in a post shared on X.In the post, the minister said the government had conveyed its willingness to hold a comprehensive discussion on NEET in Parliament. He alleged that despite this, the Congress chose to organise a dharna outside the Prime Minister’s residence instead of participating in parliamentary debate, claiming the protest caused inconvenience to the public and disregarded established security protocols.Minister alleges focus on political confrontationPradhan said the Congress had opted for what he described as a political spectacle instead of democratic discussion. He alleged that the party’s objective was to create disruption rather than pursue solutions related to students’ concerns.Referring to Rahul Gandhi, the minister claimed the issue was not centred on students but on creating political confrontation after, according to him, avenues for discussion had already been opened by the government.Government reiterates readiness for parliamentary debateThe Education Minister stated that the government remains committed to discussing NEET and addressing concerns raised by students on the floor of Parliament. He said the government was prepared for a comprehensive discussion on the examination and related issues during the ongoing session.Pradhan added that students should receive certainty, solutions and accountability. He said the government’s focus remains on responding to genuine concerns raised by young people through parliamentary processes.Remarks highlight government’s stated positionIn his X post, the minister said students deserve answers, reforms and accountability rather than political confrontation. He stated that the government remains committed to delivering these objectives while addressing issues related to NEET.The post comes amid continued political exchanges over the conduct of the medical entrance examination and demands for discussion during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. While criticising the Congress protest, the minister reiterated that the government is prepared to debate the matter in the House and address concerns through parliamentary proceedings. The statement reflects the government’s position as articulated by the Education Minister in his social media post.
