NEET Protest Escalates: Rahul Gandhi Rejects Pradhan's Transfer, Demands Accountability

The ongoing protest over the alleged NEET paper leak continued to intensify on Saturday, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi backing the students' demand for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Speaking to the media in New Delhi alongside student representatives from the All India Students' Association (AISA), Rahul Gandhi said that transferring Pradhan to another ministry would not be an acceptable solution.

Rahul Gandhi Supports Students' Core Demand

Rahul Gandhi stated that the primary demand of the protesting students is the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and claimed that simply shifting him to another portfolio would not address concerns over accountability.

His remarks came amid reports that the government is considering administrative changes as it attempts to resolve the ongoing crisis.

Third Round of Government-CJP Talks Expected

A two-member delegation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is expected to hold a third round of discussions with Union government representatives later on Saturday.

According to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, the venue of the meeting has not been disclosed for security reasons. However, he reiterated that the organisation's stand remains unchanged, stating that the resignation of the Education Minister is "non-negotiable."

Abhijeet Dipke Diagnosed with Typhoid

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he has been diagnosed with typhoid but said the movement would continue despite his illness.

The organisation has also called for a nationwide candle march on July 26 in solidarity with students who allege they faced police action during the July 20 Parliament march.

Delhi Police Cases Continue to Rise

Delhi Police has now registered 13 FIRs related to the July 20 protest march.

Among the protesters' key demands are:

•Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

•Withdrawal of FIRs against protesting students.

•A public apology for the alleged police action during the protest.

•Compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy.

Government Announces Reforms

The Centre has announced several measures aimed at restoring confidence in the examination system, including strengthening anti-paper leak laws and terminating the services of 47 officials associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA).

These steps were discussed during the second round of talks between Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh and CJP representatives, though no final breakthrough has yet been reached.

Metro Closures Continue

Security restrictions remain in place across central Delhi, with 18 Delhi Metro stations remaining closed for the fourth consecutive day due to ongoing protests and law-and-order concerns.

What's Next?

Attention is now focused on Saturday's third round of negotiations between the Centre and CJP. While the government has indicated its willingness to discuss reforms, student leaders continue to insist that accountability begins with the resignation of the Education Minister, making the next round of talks crucial for the future of the nationwide protest movement.