NEET leak row: Dharmendra Pradhan accuses Rahul Gandhi of ‘misleading’ youth, says opposition created ‘fear’ among students

New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched a fresh attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the NEET controversy, accusing him of misleading students and creating unnecessary fear among the country's youth.

Speaking amid continuing political debate surrounding alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), Pradhan said opposition leaders were attempting to spread anxiety among students instead of allowing investigative agencies and institutions to complete their work.

The minister alleged that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress were politicising the issue and presenting a distorted picture of the examination process. According to Pradhan, repeated claims made by opposition leaders have contributed to uncertainty among candidates and their families.

The remarks come as the NEET row remains one of the most contentious issues in national politics. Allegations of paper leaks and malpractice in the medical entrance examination sparked widespread protests, legal challenges and demands for accountability from opposition parties.

Rahul Gandhi has been among the most vocal critics of the government's handling of the issue. The Congress leader has repeatedly questioned the credibility of the examination system and accused the Centre of failing to protect the interests of students who spend years preparing for competitive tests.

Responding to such criticism, Pradhan maintained that the government is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in examinations. He argued that the administration has taken the controversy seriously and initiated investigations wherever allegations of wrongdoing have surfaced.

The minister also emphasized that millions of students appear for national-level examinations every year and that confidence in the system should not be undermined without evidence. He urged political leaders to act responsibly when discussing matters that directly affect students and their future prospects.

The NEET controversy has evolved into a major political flashpoint, with opposition parties demanding greater accountability and, in some cases, calling for Pradhan's resignation. The government, meanwhile, has defended its response and highlighted measures taken to strengthen examination security.

Educational experts have called for reforms aimed at improving transparency, strengthening technological safeguards and preventing future instances of malpractice. Many have also stressed the importance of maintaining public trust in competitive examinations that determine access to higher education opportunities.

The latest exchange between Pradhan and Rahul Gandhi reflects the broader political contest over the issue, with both sides seeking to position themselves as defenders of student interests. As investigations and legal proceedings continue, the debate is expected to remain at the centre of national political discourse.

For students and parents, however, the primary concern remains the credibility and fairness of the examination process. While political leaders continue to trade accusations, candidates await assurances that future examinations will be conducted in a secure and transparent manner.