Members of the INDIA bloc staged a protest at Parliament’s Makar Dwar entrance on July 23, 2026, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan [1].
The demonstration highlights growing political tension over the integrity of national examinations and the accountability of government officials in managing student credentials.
The protests occurred on day five [2] of the parliamentary monsoon session. Opposition lawmakers gathered at the Makar Dwar entrance in New Delhi to voice their grievances regarding an alleged leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam paper [1]. The INDIA bloc holds Pradhan responsible for the lapse in security and administration, arguing that his position is untenable given the scale of the controversy [3].
While the primary confrontation took place within the parliamentary complex, parallel demonstrations were reported elsewhere in the city. Peaceful protests continued at Jantar Mantar, where activists and concerned citizens gathered to support the call for transparency [4]. Among those participating in the broader movement is Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 26 days [4].
The opposition's strategy involves maintaining pressure on the administration through both legislative disruptions and public demonstrations. By coordinating protests at the seat of government and public squares, the INDIA bloc aims to amplify the demands of students affected by the alleged leak [3].
Government representatives have indicated a willingness to engage in discussions. JP Nadda said the administration is ready for a dialogue regarding the session's agenda, and the concerns raised by the opposition [2]. However, the INDIA bloc has remained firm in its demand for Pradhan's immediate resignation as a prerequisite for resolving the standoff [3].
“Opposition MPs demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.”
The escalation of protests to the Makar Dwar entrance signals a shift from standard legislative debate to direct action by the opposition. By linking the NEET paper leak to a demand for a ministerial resignation, the INDIA bloc is attempting to transform a systemic administrative failure into a political liability for the ruling government during the monsoon session.
