Gaurav Gogoi demands PM Modi replace education minister amid NEET leak protests

In the wake of a protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to replace Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest, which saw a police crackdown, has reignited demands for a discussion on the NEET paper leak and reforms in the education sector.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Gogoi said that the police action against young protesters was 'condemnable and shocking'. He argued that the situation could have been avoided if the Prime Minister had shown leadership and removed Mr Pradhan earlier.

Gogoi noted that the Congress party and the broader INDIA bloc have been supportive of the students' cause. He highlighted that the Congress had organised its own programmes, such as 'Chhatron Ki Goonj', which drew significant participation. He stated that the growing number of young people choosing platforms not directly affiliated with political parties is a positive development, and that society, young people, and opposition parties are united on the need for education reform.

Regarding the use of mobile network jammers on Parliament premises, Gogoi expressed surprise and disappointment that parliamentarians were not informed. He said that MPs were unable to access news and social media, and only learned about the scale of the police action later. He criticised the government's response inside Parliament as 'nonchalant' and 'non-serious', noting that ministers were smiling and laughing when the Opposition demanded a discussion.

On the unity of opposition parties, Gogoi said that there were no differences among them in the morning meeting chaired by Mallikarjun Kharge. They discussed key political issues, including the NEET paper leak and the Ram Mandir donation row. He said the Opposition will continue to press the government for a discussion on NEET in Parliament, asking why the Prime Minister is unwilling to change his education minister despite the controversy.