Congress general secretary and Chhattisgarh in-charge Sachin Pilot on Monday, 20 July 2026 sharply condemned the use of lathi-charges and tear gas against students protesting in Delhi, calling it 'completely wrong' and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring examination paper-leak scandals.

Context

Pilot posted in Hindi, stating: 'दिल्ली में छात्रों पर लाठीचार्ज करना और आँसू गैस के गोले दागना पूरी तरह ग़लत है' ('Using lathi-charges and firing tear-gas shells on students in Delhi is completely wrong. I condemn this in the strongest terms.'). The post comes amid a fresh wave of student agitation over alleged paper leaks in central competitive examinations, with demonstrators taking to the streets in the capital.

Pilot urged the government to 'listen seriously to the demands of students and engage in dialogue with them, rather than resorting to force.' He added that 'instead of suppressing students' voices, their concerns should be resolved.'

Policy Backdrop

Allegations of paper leaks in national-level examinations have dogged the Union government for several years. The 2024 NEET-UG paper-leak controversy prompted the government to order a CBI probe and constitute a high-level committee, yet opposition parties argued those steps fell short of ensuring accountability. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers major entrance exams, has faced sustained calls for structural reform and greater transparency.

The Congress has consistently framed recurring exam irregularities as a governance failure requiring ministerial accountability, not merely administrative fixes. Pilot's post reinforces that line, directly naming Dharmendra Pradhan as the minister who should step down.

Stakeholders and Impact

Millions of competitive-exam aspirants — from medical and engineering entrance candidates to government-job seekers — are directly affected every time paper-leak allegations surface. Student groups argue that leaked papers invalidate months of preparation and distort merit-based selection, deepening distrust in public examination systems.

Pilot also noted that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi 'has repeatedly cornered the government on students' demands, seeking accountability and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.' The reference signals a coordinated Congress position rather than an isolated statement.

What's Next

With the Monsoon Session of Parliament under way, opposition members are expected to press the government through questions and adjournment motions on NTA reforms and examination integrity. Pending petitions before the Supreme Court on exam-paper leaks could also see fresh hearings. Whether the government engages in dialogue with protesting students — or doubles down on law-and-order measures — will determine how the standoff evolves in the coming days.