Sharad Pawar says Modi talks paved way for NEET agitation breakthrough
Synopsis
Sharad Pawar has publicly claimed credit for brokering the dialogue that ended the NEET paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar — saying he personally met PM Modi and urged both sides to talk. The claim reframes the Centre's concession as a political intervention, not a unilateral government decision, and puts opposition diplomacy at the centre of one of the year's most charged student agitations.
Key Takeaways
Sharad Pawar revealed on 25 July that he personally met PM Narendra Modi to facilitate dialogue with NEET paper leak protesters.
Students held a 28-day sit-in at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi , demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak.
Pawar credited the youth agitation for compelling the government to accept moral responsibility.
He sharply criticised Delhi Police for deploying lathi charges and tear gas against student protesters.
Pawar also thanked Opposition MPs for providing moral support to the agitating students.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president and former Union minister Sharad Pawar on Saturday, 25 July revealed that he personally met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to push for dialogue between the government and students protesting the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Pawar asserted that the outcome of those behind-the-scenes discussions is now visible in the Centre's response to the agitation.
Pawar's Role in Brokering Dialogue
Speaking at a press conference in Pune, Pawar said he urged the Prime Minister that dialogue is non-negotiable in a democracy. 'I personally met the Prime Minister and requested him that dialogue is essential in a democracy, warning that a lack of dialogue carries serious consequences,' he said.
Pawar added that he simultaneously counselled protest leaders to remain open to talks if the government signalled willingness. 'I advised Prime Minister Modi accordingly, and fortunately, he was ready to engage in discussions. As a result, the outcome of my talks with Narendra Modi is visible today,' he remarked.
Youth Victory and Moral Responsibility
Pawar described the 28-day student sit-in at Jantar Mantar as a symbol of democratic power, crediting the younger generation for compelling the government to accept moral responsibility. 'This is a massive victory for the unity of the nation's youth power. I express my gratitude to all Opposition MPs for providing moral support to the country's youth in this manner,' he stated.
He underscored that NEET paper leaks inflict severe damage on the lives and futures of countless aspirants — a point he said the protest brought forcefully before the country's leadership.
Sharp Criticism of Police Action
While welcoming the eventual outcome, Pawar did not spare the authorities over their initial handling of the agitation. He said lathi charges and tear gas deployed against young protesters were avoidable and counterproductive. 'The outcome is commendable, but the situation would have been handled much better had the authorities avoided using tear gas and lathi charges against young citizens,' he added.
This comes amid broader scrutiny of Delhi Police's conduct during student demonstrations this year, with opposition parties repeatedly flagging what they describe as disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters.
What Pawar Said on Social Media
Earlier, in a post on X, Pawar praised the struggle and determination shown by the youth over 28 consecutive days at Jantar Mantar in the NEET paper leak case as truly commendable. He described the fight as a symbol of the power of democracy and credited the young generation for compelling the government to accept moral responsibility.
What Happens Next
The Centre's response — widely seen as a concession to student pressure — is expected to face further scrutiny in Parliament, with opposition leaders demanding structural reforms to prevent future examination irregularities. Pawar's public claim of having facilitated the breakthrough is likely to intensify political debate over who deserves credit for resolving the standoff.
Point of View
Complete with tear gas and lathi charges, was required before the Centre agreed to engage. If Pawar's account is accurate, it also raises the question of whether the government's eventual response was a genuine policy shift or a face-saving exercise dressed up as concession. The NEET crisis is not resolved by one dialogue — the structural failure of examination integrity remains unaddressed.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sharad Pawar say about his meeting with PM Modi over the NEET protest?
Sharad Pawar said he personally met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge dialogue with students protesting the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar. He claimed the Centre's eventual response was a direct outcome of those discussions.
How long did the NEET paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar last?
The student protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi lasted 28 consecutive days. Pawar described the sustained agitation as a symbol of democratic power and credited it with compelling the government to accept moral responsibility.
Why did Pawar criticise Delhi Police over the NEET agitation?
Pawar criticised the use of lathi charges and tear gas against student protesters, calling such measures avoidable when dealing with young citizens. He said the outcome was commendable but the handling could have been far better.
What is the NEET paper leak controversy?
The NEET paper leak refers to alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, India's medical college entrance examination. The controversy triggered widespread student protests, with demonstrators arguing that the leaks severely damaged the futures of lakhs of aspirants.
Who does Pawar credit for the breakthrough in the NEET protest?
Pawar credited the unity and patience of the protesting youth, opposition MPs who provided moral support, and his own behind-the-scenes intervention with PM Modi as collectively responsible for the government's eventual concession.
