Education Minister Slams Rahul Gandhi Over NEET Controversy, Alleges Anarchy and Civil Unrest

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the results of the NEET-UG 2024 exam, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Pradhan accused Gandhi of promoting anarchy and civil unrest by questioning the validity of the exam and provoking students to create social tensions.

The Supreme Court ruled that despite localised leaks of the question paper, there was no evidence of a systemic breach or significant compromise in the exam’s integrity. The court’s decision affects 24 lakh students who took the exam.

Pradhan praised the court’s judgment, saying “Satyameva Jayate” (truth prevails) and alleged that Gandhi’s opposition to the exam was part of a larger strategy to create chaos and unrest in the country. He appealed to Gandhi and other opposition leaders to apologise to students, youth, and parents for their “irresponsible actions.”

“…When the NEET matter came to light, Opposition’s role became clear after Supreme Court’s judgement today. The attitude that the Lok Sabha LoP had adopted until yesterday, invalidating the examination system of the country and calling it “rubbish” proves his mental status…Criticising this, Rahul Gandhi has criticised India,” Pradhan said while adding that misleading the students of the country, creating confusion and provoking them for social tensions were all planned part of Gandhi’s politics.

“By rejecting the electoral results in the country, anarchy and civil unrest have become a part of his strategy. I appeal to him and all people of Opposition who were involved in such irresponsible actions – they should apologise to the students, youth and parents of the country…You have hurt the country, attempted to create anarchy in the country, conspired to have civil unrest in the country. The country will not forgive you. Political rivalry can be different, but students belong to everyone…,” Pradhan said as per a video posted by news agency ANI.

The Supreme Court’s decision was based on the fact that there was no data to suggest a systemic breach of the exam’s sanctity, despite the localised leaks. The court noted that ordering a re-test would have significant consequences for students, including disruption to the admission schedule, education, and the future availability of medical professionals.