Centre hits back at Rahul Gandhi over NEET, accuses him of 'selective outrage'

Union Minister J.P. Nadda alleged that the Congress leader was trying to extract political mileage from students' concerns rather than working towards lasting reforms.

'Why are you so selective?' asks Nadda

Responding to Rahul Gandhi's claim that more than 150 paper leaks had occurred under the BJP-led government over the past decade, Nadda pointed to examination leak cases in states governed by the Congress and its allies.

He cited alleged paper leaks in the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board under the National Conference-Congress government, the Himachal Pradesh School Education Board under the Congress government, and the Jharkhand Academic Council under the Congress-JMM alliance.

"I'd like to ask the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi -- why are you so selective? Why haven't you discussed the UPA and UPA-supported governments?" Nadda said.

He accused Gandhi of focusing on political gains rather than ensuring justice for students or improving the education system.

Centre reiterates offer for Parliament debate

Nadda also renewed the government's invitation to hold a comprehensive discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament.

He said the debate should examine the reasons behind repeated paper leaks, identify those responsible, review the Centre's response, and explore measures that states should adopt to prevent future incidents.

"We should move beyond blame and counter-allegations. Parliament is the best forum for such a discussion," he said, urging all political parties to work together on a long-term solution.

Rahul Gandhi intensifies attack

The exchange came a day after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress leaders staged a sit-in protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence over the NEET controversy and the alleged police action against protesting students.

The Congress leaders were detained after refusing to disperse and insisting on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

While in detention, Rahul Gandhi placed five demands before the government, including the resignations of Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, action against police personnel accused of assaulting students, withdrawal of cases against protesters, an apology from the Prime Minister over the police crackdown, and a discussion on education reforms in Parliament.

On Wednesday, Gandhi escalated his criticism, alleging that India's education system had been "rigged" under the current government.

"Students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. It is a legitimate demand. Pradhan is a corrupt and incompetent man. He must be removed," he said.

He also claimed that 152 paper leaks had taken place over the past 10 years—an average of one every month—and alleged that there had not been a single conviction in paper leak cases during that period.

High Court steps in

The political confrontation comes as the Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi Police on petitions alleging excessive use of force against student protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party-led march to Parliament.

The court has also directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other video evidence related to the protests pending further hearings.