Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress, demanded the Education Minister's resignation Thursday during a session of the Rajya Sabha [1].
The clash highlights the growing political tension in New Delhi as the opposition leverages alleged exam irregularities to challenge the current administration's credibility. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) paper leak allegations have sparked widespread student protests across the country.
Kharge, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, targeted a recent social media post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi [1]. He said the Prime Minister's tweet was an "instigative statement" [1].
The Congress leader said that the government must hold its leadership accountable before any constructive dialogue can occur. "Today, Prime Minister has made a statement. This is an instigative statement. The Education Minister should resign only then we will be ready to have a discussion," Kharge said [1].
During the proceedings, Kharge linked the administrative failures to the plight of students. He said that "all doors for the youth have been shut" [3]. He said the Prime Minister should look into the eyes of the youth who bled on the streets while protesting the leaks [3].
Opposition members continued to press for the immediate removal of the Education Minister, arguing that the ministry is responsible for the security lapses that led to the leaks [2]. The Rajya Sabha remained stormy as the opposition refused to engage in further discussions until the resignation demand was met [2].
“The Education Minister should resign only then we will be ready to have a discussion.”
The demand for a ministerial resignation signals that the opposition intends to move beyond mere criticism of the NEET-UG leak and seek high-level accountability. By framing the Prime Minister's communication as 'instigative,' the Congress party is attempting to shift the narrative from a technical failure of the examination board to a broader failure of government leadership and stability.
