Sachin Pilot demands resignation of Education Minister over NEET-UG 2026 paper leak allegations

Jaipur: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Sunday demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak, claiming the government was shielding "education mafias" and had failed to protect the future of lakhs of students. He said the alleged leak of the NEET-2026 examination paper was not merely an administrative failure but a "heinous crime" that has shattered the dreams of more than 22 lakh aspirants.

The Congress national general secretary and former Rajasthan deputy chief minister made these remarks during a visit to Gudha Gaudji in Jhunjhunu district where he met the family of a deceased NEET aspirant and expressed condolences. Addressing reporters, Pilot said parents from poor and middle-class families invest heavily, often taking loans, for their children's education, but such incidents have eroded their trust in the system.

He also alleged insensitivity on the part of the administration towards protesting students and affected families. Claiming that the paper leak was orchestrated by a well-organised racket, he questioned the delay in lodging an FIR despite indications of irregularities. He alleged that authorities attempted to suppress the matter until it was exposed by students themselves.

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Pilot said the Union education minister must take moral responsibility for the alleged irregularities and step down immediately, asserting that no one has the right to jeopardise the future of the country's youth. He further said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also reached out to affected families and assured them of the party's support, and warned that the agitation would continue until justice is delivered and those responsible are brought to the book.