‘Students Are Not Terrorists’: Rahul Gandhi Demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Over NEET Row
New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday strongly backed students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, declaring that “Students Are Not Terrorists” and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi said the students‘ demands were “fully legitimate” and “non-negotiable.”
The Congress MP accused the Central government of responding to peaceful student protests with force instead of addressing concerns over examination irregularities. He said the issue was not merely political but one that affected the future of millions of students across the country.
Students Are Not Terrorists, Says Rahul Gandhi
Repeating the message that Students Are Not Terrorists, Rahul Gandhi said young people protesting over examination issues were exercising their democratic rights and should not be treated like criminals.
He alleged that students participating in the recent ‘Sansad Chalo’ march in New Delhi were demanding a fair and transparent education system but were instead met with police action. According to Gandhi, students were peacefully seeking accountability over the alleged paper leak and reforms in the examination process.
He added that the government should engage with students through dialogue rather than force.
Rahul Gandhi Demands Education Minister’s Resignation
While asserting that Students Are Not Terrorists, Gandhi said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign and take moral responsibility for the alleged examination irregularities.
According to the Congress leader, the protesting students have three key demands:
- Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Action against those responsible for the alleged police assault on students.
- A public apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the protesting students.
Gandhi described these demands as reasonable and said they reflected the concerns of students across the country.
Congress Leader Speaks on Police Action
Referring to the police action during the protest in Delhi, Gandhi again said Students Are Not Terrorists and questioned why peaceful demonstrators were allegedly subjected to lathi-charge, tear gas, and detentions.
He also spoke about the incident in which he, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other opposition leaders were removed by police while protesting outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
Gandhi claimed that he was dragged and punched during the protest but said his personal experience was insignificant compared to what students had allegedly faced.
“I don’t care what happened to me,” he said, adding that his priority was highlighting the concerns of students.
Raises Concerns Over India’s Education System
Emphasising that Students Are Not Terrorists, Gandhi alleged that India’s education system was facing serious challenges because of repeated examination controversies and paper leak allegations.
He claimed that paper leaks had affected the confidence of students and increased stress among families investing heavily in education. He also alleged that repeated examination irregularities had damaged trust in the system and called for greater transparency and accountability.
These claims were made by Rahul Gandhi during the press conference and have not been independently verified in this report.
Congress Extends Full Support to Students
Reiterating that Students Are Not Terrorists, Gandhi announced the Congress party’s full support for students protesting across the country.
He said students deserve a fair examination system based on merit and equal opportunity. According to him, young people raising concerns about examination integrity should be heard rather than intimidated.
The Congress leader also urged the government to address the issues through constructive dialogue instead of confrontation.
Political Debate Intensifies
The remarks came a day after opposition leaders staged a protest demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Police later removed several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, from the protest site.
As demonstrations continue in different parts of the country, the statement Students Are Not Terrorists has become one of the central messages of the Congress campaign supporting student protesters.
The Students Are Not Terrorists slogan reflects Rahul Gandhi’s argument that peaceful protests should be protected in a democracy and that students seeking transparency in examinations deserve answers rather than confrontation. The government has not yet issued a detailed response to his latest remarks.