The verbal political spat between the ruling party and the opposition over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak row went up a notch on Thursday, as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Congress MP and leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi of misleading candidates and sparking unnecessary fear among the country’s youth.

Pradhan’s remarks came against the backdrop of mounting criticism from the opposition parties over the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET UG 2026 exam, which was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak on May 12, 2026.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

A re-test was held on June 21. The opposition, in the aftermath of the paper leak, has demanded accountability from the Union government and has called for Minister Pradhan’s resignation over the issue.

Pradhan says this

Addressing the controversy, Minister Pradhan alleged that Gandhi’s statements on the case were triggering anxiety among students preparing for the high-stakes examination. He said, “Gandhi misled the NEET aspirants. Don’t mislead and instill fear in the minds of the new generation. We all have a responsibility towards them.”

He also emphasised the importance of shielding the students’ futures, saying he did not wish to politicise an issue that directly affects lakhs of young people. He, however, criticised the opposition’s decision to organise a political rally in Kota, one of India’s largest coaching hubs, shortly before exams. The minister further argued that all political stakeholders should act responsibly when addressing issues linked to education and competitive exams.

Pradhan mentions Kharge’s rally in fresh attack

Escalating his criticism of the Congress, Minister Pradhan also reflected on an incident in Karnataka, where a rally was taken out by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. According to the minister, three students were unable to make it to their NEET re-exam centres on time due to traffic disruptions caused by the event in Bengaluru.

He asked, “Kharge later apologised to those students. How can the Congress lecture us on this issue.”?

“Protectors turned predators”: Minister Pradhan on NTA lapses

Minister Pradhan also addressed the role of officials involved in conducting the exam. He referred to alleged irregularities in the exam process, saying that certain people entrusted with responsibilities by the National Testing Agency (NTA) had failed to discharge their duties conscientiously.

In a statement issued earlier this week, he remarked, “Rakshak Hi Bhakshak Ban Gaye (Protectors themselves turned predators).”