Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday, 24 July accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of insulting students with what he called a “pathetic midnight video” on the NEET paper leak controversy, renewing demands for the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi’s broadside came hours after Modi signalled that the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday would take up “more strict actions against paper leaks.”

Gandhi’s Direct Challenge to Modi

In a post on X, Gandhi wrote: “Mr. Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Don’t insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video. Sack Pradhan. Punish those who beat students. Apologise.” The statement was notable for its bluntness, addressing the Prime Minister directly and listing four specific demands — a rhetorical tactic designed to keep the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the defensive ahead of the Cabinet deliberations.

The NEET Controversy: What Is at Stake

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak allegations have triggered widespread student protests across India, with demonstrators demanding accountability from the Centre over alleged irregularities in the high-stakes medical entrance examination. Opposition parties have repeatedly called for Pradhan’s resignation, arguing that the minister bears political responsibility for the examination body’s failures. This is not the first time a major public examination controversy has engulfed the education ministry, but the scale of student mobilisation has made it politically harder to contain.

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike

Separately, Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday, breaking his fast at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, doctors, and family members. His prolonged fast had drawn national attention, with 65 Members of Parliament urging him to end the strike.

Abhijeet Dipke, leader of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), welcomed Wangchuk’s decision in a post, saying: “We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days. Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country.” Dipke added that the CJP’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Pradhan resigns, linking the two agitations under a common demand for ministerial accountability.

Political Pressure Mounts on the Centre

The convergence of student protests over NEET, Gandhi’s sustained opposition offensive, and activist pressure from Wangchuk’s fast has created a rare multi-front political challenge for the government. Notably, the opposition’s demand is singular and specific — Pradhan’s resignation — making it harder for the Centre to deflect with procedural responses. The Cabinet meeting’s outcome on stricter anti-leak measures will be closely watched as a test of whether the government’s response matches the scale of public anger.