The war of words Between Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi comes as student protests over the NEET paper leak enter their fourth week, with the issue continuing to disrupt Parliament and dominate the national political discourse.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, July 23: The political battle over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak intensified on Thursday, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing his government of “destroying” India’s education system and betraying the aspirations of millions of students.
The Congress leader’s remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Modi announced that the Centre would establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in examination paper leak cases, describing the move as part of the government’s commitment to protecting students’ future.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s post on X, Gandhi alleged that the government itself was responsible for the collapse of the country’s examination system.
“You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system—and protected every person responsible for it,” Gandhi wrote.
Calling the government’s latest announcement inadequate, Gandhi said the country needed accountability rather than promises. He reiterated the Opposition’s key demands, urging the Centre to immediately dismiss Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, publicly apologise to students and their families, and initiate action against those responsible for the alleged assault on peaceful protesters during demonstrations in Delhi earlier this week.
You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most.
You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system – and protected every person responsible for it.
The students’ demands are clear:
1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan.
2. Apologise to… https://t.co/0MK4wPMNiK— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2026
PM Announces Fast-Track Courts
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi announced that dedicated fast-track courts would be established to ensure swift prosecution of those involved in leaking examination papers.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth,” Modi said, adding that he had directed all concerned authorities to take immediate steps to operationalise the special courts.
“This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” the Prime Minister said.
The announcement follows a series of measures announced by the Centre after nationwide outrage over the NEET-UG 2026 controversy. During a meeting of NDA allies earlier this week, Modi had described paper leaks as a “ghor paap” (grave sin), stressing that those responsible must face exemplary punishment.
READ: PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases
Protests Enter Fourth Week
The political exchange comes as student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak continue across the national capital.
Students from different states, joined by activists of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have been staging demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister, judicial accountability for examination fraud, compensation for affected students and comprehensive reforms to restore the credibility of India’s examination system.
The protests escalated sharply on Monday when demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament. Delhi Police prevented the march, leading to clashes, stone-pelting, lathi-charge and the use of tear gas in parts of central Delhi.
Delhi Police said 178 people, including 118 police personnel, were injured during the violence and accused sections of the protesters of damaging public property.
Protesters, however, disputed the police version, alleging that security personnel used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. Student groups claimed hundreds of protesters were injured during the crackdown and accused the authorities of suppressing democratic dissent.
Political Flashpoint
The NEET paper leak controversy has emerged as one of the biggest political issues of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, with repeated disruptions over the Opposition’s demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
The government has rejected the demand, accusing the Opposition of using students for political gains while insisting it is committed to punishing those responsible for examination fraud.
With student protests showing no signs of abating and Parliament remaining deadlocked over the issue, the confrontation between the government and the Opposition is expected to intensify in the coming days.
