KTR slams Centre over NEET paper leak, demands Pradhan's resignation
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Friday, 24 July launched a sharp attack on the Modi government, accusing it of betraying the aspirations of millions of students and unemployed youth by repeatedly failing to ensure examination integrity and refusing accountability. Speaking at a large gathering at Indira Park in Hyderabad, KTR declared that a dangerous pattern had emerged — one where those demanding accountability face targeting rather than those responsible for the failures.
Key Demands and Allegations
KTR called for the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him morally accountable for repeated examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak. He urged the Centre to open meaningful dialogue with agitating students rather than resort to what he described as repression and intimidation. 'The youth's voice cannot be silenced through force,' KTR asserted, adding that every attempt to suppress democratic dissent would only strengthen the movement.
A Warning to the Centre
Addressing the gathering, KTR cautioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to underestimate Gen Z and India's youth, arguing that a new generation of ideas is reshaping the country's politics. Citing the examples of Nepal and Sri Lanka, he remarked that when youth unite, they have the power to bring down governments. He predicted that this generation, which he described as unafraid, would rise to challenge those in power if their concerns continued to go unaddressed.
Solidarity with Delhi Protesters
The Hyderabad rally was convened explicitly to express solidarity with students protesting in New Delhi over the NEET paper leak controversy and the alleged crackdown on student demonstrations. KTR described the overwhelming participation at Indira Park as a reflection of growing anger against the Centre's handling of issues affecting young people. He framed the broader struggle as one not merely against paper leaks, but for justice, accountability, and the future of India's youth.
Attack on Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
KTR also turned his fire on Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing him of double standards. He alleged that instead of leading a united front against the Centre on an issue affecting students across the country, Reddy had chosen to target the BRS for political gains and was helping divert public attention from the Centre's failures. KTR accused Reddy of avoiding confrontation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while using the opposition as a political shield. 'The people of Telangana expected the state government to stand firmly with students — not act as a cover for the BJP,' he said.
What Comes Next
The BRS rally adds political pressure on both the Centre and the Telangana government at a moment when student unrest over examination irregularities shows no signs of abating. With opposition parties across the country amplifying the NEET controversy, the demand for Pradhan's resignation and an independent probe is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.