Bengaluru: AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on Friday demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET question paper leak controversy and called for a high-level inquiry into the alleged police action against students during protests.
Addressing a press conference at Indira Gandhi Bhavan in Bengaluru, Venugopal urged the Centre to withdraw all cases registered against protesting students and provide compensation to the families of NEET candidates who allegedly died in connection with the controversy.
“This is not only the demand of the Congress but also the voice of students and affected families across the country. The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is the demand of the nation,” Venugopal said.
The Congress leader accused the Central government of failing to adequately address the alleged examination irregularities and criticised it for what he described as its reluctance to hold a detailed discussion on the issue in Parliament. He also alleged that the government had shown insensitivity towards concerns over students’ futures.
Venugopal’s demands reflect the position of the Congress party. The Centre has not officially responded to his specific demands for the Education Minister’s resignation, withdrawal of cases or compensation. However, the government has announced its intention to introduce legislation providing for stricter penalties in cases of examination fraud and question paper leaks.
During the press conference, Venugopal also outlined the Congress’ ‘Sanghatan Srujan’ organisational campaign. He said the process of selecting District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents was underway across the country and that the party aims to complete appointments in Karnataka by August 24. He added that priority would be given to young leaders and social justice while selecting the new office-bearers.
