Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister reflects the BJP's belief that the interests of the country, students and youth are above any political position. In a post on X, Shah said the Narendra Modi government respects students' concerns and is committed to introducing stronger reforms to curb paper leaks and ensure strict action against those responsible. Pradhan resigned amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, saying the future of students was his top priority. Shah also praised Pradhan's tenure, highlighting reforms including the National Education Policy and expansion of regional-language examinations. (PC: News18)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation a victory for students and India's future, describing it as only the first step towards fixing the education system. He alleged Union Home Minister Amit Shah authorised the use of pellet guns and other lethal weapons against protesting students, saying the Congress would raise the issue in Parliament. Gandhi demanded visible action against those responsible for the alleged violence and sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Calling Pradhan a symbol of corruption, incompetence and the education system's decline, he accused the RSS of hollowing out education. Gandhi warned that ignoring public concerns could trigger protests on a much larger scale nationwide. (PC: Free Press Journal)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hailed Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Education Minister as a “huge step” towards reforming India's education system, congratulating students who protested over the NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities. Calling it a victory for democracy and the Constitution, Gandhi praised young protesters for demanding accountability and said the country was proud of them. He reiterated his demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise and sought action against those responsible for violence against students during the July 20 protests. Gandhi also urged farmers, labourers and the poor to continue constitutional struggles for dignity. Pradhan resigned, accepting responsibility and saying he stepped down to prevent confusion.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised the Centre over its handling of protests against the alleged NEET paper leak. He said the government blocked metro services, roads, shops, internet and food access but failed to stop paper leaks. On X, Gandhi wrote, “Shut the Metro. Shut the roads. Shut the shops. Shut the internet. Shut the food.” He added, “There is one thing you could not shut down, Modi ji — paper leaks.” His remarks came ahead of the third round of talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over its key demands. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Union ministers to strengthen their Instagram presence and use reels and interactive content to engage more effectively with India's youth during a Cabinet meeting. According to CNN-News18 sources, the Prime Minister asked ministers how many actively used Instagram and emphasised that young citizens increasingly consume information on the platform. Hours earlier, Modi himself posted a short-form Instagram reel in a conversational style, signalling the government's focus on digital-first communication. The push comes as the Gen Z-led Jantar Mantar protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak have gained massive traction through viral reels, videos and live updates, making social media a central space for public engagement. (PC: Reuters)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government will set up fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and strict punishment for those involved in exam paper leak cases. Calling students' welfare a top priority, Modi said those responsible "will not be spared." Responding to the announcement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most," accusing the government of damaging the education system. He also reiterated his demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as protests over alleged NEET-UG paper leaks continue.

Delhi Police has removed Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba from duty at the Jantar Mantar protest site after a video showed him allegedly slapping a woman protester during the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20. The incident was raised before the Delhi High Court during a hearing on alleged police excesses against protesters. Former Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale said he filed a police complaint seeking an FIR against Lamba. The High Court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other evidence while hearing petitions over the police action. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed police officers quietly told him to "remove this government" while they detained him during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Rahul said the officers were only following orders. He alleged they were unhappy with the government's handling of the NEET paper leak issue. Rahul said he was dragged away and suffered minor injuries but called it a small price to pay. He also claimed there were 152 paper leaks in the past decade with no convictions. Rahul again demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Centre of failing students, claiming 152 examination paper leaks occurred over the past 10 years without a single conviction. Wearing a black armband, he called India's education system “rigged” and demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Gandhi criticised police action against protesting students and said peaceful demonstrators were only seeking a fair examination system. Referring to the recent NEET controversy, he alleged repeated paper leaks had caused severe stress, ruined careers and even driven some students to suicide. The BJP rejected his allegations, calling the protest “childish” and politically motivated. (PC: India Today)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday questioned whether the BJP-led government and the Congress had reached an “understanding” after he was initially not allowed to speak during a Lok Sabha discussion on the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Raising concerns over students and the July 20 protest crackdown, Akhilesh said the issue went beyond political parties and demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. He also criticised the government over police action against protesters and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue in Parliament. The government maintained it was ready to hold a discussion. (PC: India Today)