Jaipur

Congress workers staged a protest march in Jaipur on Thursday over the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accusing the BJP of jeopardising students’ futures.

The demonstration, led by Govind Singh Dotasra, began from the Congress state office and proceeded towards the BJP headquarters. Several senior leaders, including Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, MLAs and MPs joined the protest.

As tensions escalated near the BJP office, police used water cannons to disperse the protesters.

Addressing party workers, Dotasra alleged that Rahul Gandhi had raised concerns in Parliament in 2024 regarding irregularities in the NEET examination system.

“In 2024, Rahul Gandhi said in the Lok Sabha that NEET papers are being leaked and the future of lakhs of children is being compromised. These people did not allow a discussion because they themselves were involved in the paper leaks,” Dotasra alleged.

He added that the Congress would continue its agitation until the resignation of the education minister was secured.

Tikaram Jully also attacked the Centre, accusing the BJP government of protecting those involved in examination leaks.

“Dharmendra Pradhan should resign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained silent on this issue. BJP office-bearers have been found involved, yet no action is being taken against the paper leak mafia,” Jully claimed.

The protest comes amid a political row over the cancellation of NEET UG 2026 on May 12 following allegations of a coordinated paper leak. The examination, held on May 3 across 551 cities in India and 14 overseas centres, was attended by more than 22 lakh candidates.

The Union Education Ministry has announced enhanced security arrangements for the re-examination scheduled for June 21. Officials have also indicated that the NEET-UG exam may shift to a computer-based test format from next year to curb such irregularities.

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Meanwhile, a parliamentary standing committee headed by Digvijaya Singh has initiated a review into recurring controversies surrounding national-level examinations.