“Why Are You Silent?”: Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak

The cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination over allegations of a paper leak has reignited a political storm, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi accused the Centre of repeatedly failing to prevent exam leaks and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on the controversy. The medical entrance examination, which was cancelled after the allegations surfaced, is now scheduled to be conducted again next month.

Rahul Gandhi Questions Centre Over Repeated Exam Leaks

Targeting the Modi government over recurring examination controversies, Rahul Gandhi drew parallels between the NEET 2024 and NEET 2026 incidents. He said the government was once again following the same pattern of investigations and committee formations without fixing accountability.

"NEET 2024: Paper leaked. Exam not cancelled. Minister did not resign. CBI set up an investigation. A committee was formed. NEET 2026: Paper leaked. Exam cancelled. Minister still did not resign. CBI is investigating again. Another committee will be formed," Gandhi wrote.

He further questioned why repeated lapses had not led to action against the education minister.

"Mr Modi, the country is asking you some questions - answer them! Why are paper leaks happening repeatedly? Why are you silent time and again on this 'exam paper discussion'? Why aren't you dismissing the education minister who keeps failing repeatedly?" Gandhi wrote on X.

"Sack Pradhan," he added.

CBI Probe Expands Across Multiple States

The remarks came as the Central Bureau of Investigation continues its probe into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, which has already resulted in multiple arrests across different states.

Investigators have alleged that confidential question papers were leaked from within the National Testing Agency through individuals associated with the paper-setting process. Retired chemistry lecturer PV Kulkarni and Pune-based botany teacher Manisha Gurunath Mandhare were arrested for allegedly leaking questions before the May 3 examination.

According to investigators, the accused allegedly shared questions and answers with selected students in exchange for large sums of money. So far, nine people from five states have been arrested in connection with the case.

Search operations conducted at six locations reportedly led to the recovery of documents, laptops, mobile phones and bank-related records linked to the investigation.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges 'Money-Making Nexus'

A day earlier, Gandhi had intensified his attack on the government by claiming the question paper had circulated on WhatsApp two days before the examination.

He accused the BJP, RSS and certain individuals linked to universities of being part of what he described as a "money-making nexus". Gandhi alleged that the Modi government had failed millions of students by not ensuring a secure examination process.

The Congress leader has repeatedly raised concerns over the integrity of competitive examinations and demanded stricter accountability for paper leak cases.

NEET 2024 Controversy Returns To Spotlight

The latest controversy has also revived memories of the NEET 2024 row, when allegations of paper leaks and irregularities had triggered nationwide protests.

The issue gained momentum after 67 students secured perfect scores in the medical entrance examination. Investigations in Bihar later uncovered an alleged paper leak racket, with police claiming candidates had paid between ₹30 lakh and ₹50 lakh to obtain leaked question papers before the exam.

The case was subsequently handed over to the CBI, which alleged that the paper had been illegally accessed from an examination centre in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, before the test commenced. Investigators said the leaked paper circulated through organised networks involving middlemen, students and local operators.

The controversy also sparked outrage over the awarding of "grace marks" and unusually high scores. In July 2024, the Supreme Court acknowledged that a paper leak had occurred but declined to cancel the examination, observing that there was no evidence of a "systemic breach".