Rahul Gandhi accuses Centre of lying, says students' three demands remain unchanged

New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the Opposition would not hold any discussions with the Centre on the alleged examination paper leak controversy until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

He also demanded action against those responsible for the alleged police action on protesting students and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The remarks came amid continuing political confrontation over the paper leak issue, even as the Centre opened formal talks with leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been spearheading protests over alleged irregularities in national-level examinations.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday intensified his attack on the Centre over the ongoing student protests, alleging that the government had used pellet guns against demonstrators despite denying it. Displaying photographs of an injured student, Gandhi said one protester had lost vision in one eye and accused the government of hiding the truth. "The government has claimed that no pellet guns were used, but look at this, this is what a pellet gun does," he said. Gandhi also claimed that students were only seeking justice after their futures had been affected by the alleged examination paper leaks. "These students' parents gave them opportunities through their hard-earned money. The government must stop lying. It has attacked the future of this country," he said, reiterating the protesters' three demands — the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, action against those responsible for the alleged assault on students, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the media outside 10 Janpath, Gandhi said both the Opposition and the students had made their position clear and repeated his demand that "Dharmendra Pradhan is a criminal Education Minister. He has to be removed." Earlier in the day, Gandhi also criticised Delhi University's warning against participating in protests at Jantar Mantar, writing on X, "How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights? Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes."

Rahul Gandhi says Pradhan's resignation is non-negotiable

Speaking to reporters after the Lok Sabha was adjourned, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of refusing to let him present the Opposition's position in Parliament. "Whenever someone is named, it is normal to ask the person to respond. However, when I rose to reply to Rijiju, I was not allowed to speak, and my mike was shut."

He said the students' movement had three clear demands that the Opposition fully supported. "The students have three demands — corrupt Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has to go; those who beat up students must face action; and the Prime Minister should apologise to the students."

Reiterating the Opposition's stand, Gandhi added: "These are the three conditions. We are not going to have any conversation, any discussion before Mr Pradhan is sacked."

Government pushes for Parliament discussion

The statement came shortly after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to Opposition parties to participate in a debate on the paper leak issue in the Lok Sabha.

Rijiju said the government was prepared for a detailed discussion and referred to social activist Sonam Wangchuk ending his hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Centre on examination reforms.

According to Rahul Gandhi, the Opposition was willing to explain its position in Parliament but was not given the opportunity.

Centre begins talks with CJP leaders

While Parliament remained deadlocked, senior Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh held talks with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at the Constitution Club in New Delhi.

The meeting followed reports that the government had accepted two demands of the protesters, including assurance that no legal action would be taken against peaceful demonstrators and that compensation would be provided to families affected by the examination controversy.

However, CJP leaders maintained that their principal demand remained unchanged.

CJP representative Saurav Das said the party had clearly informed Union ministers that the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was not open to negotiation.

Another CJP leader, Abhijeet Dipke, said: "Nothing short of resignation is acceptable to us. The protest will not be called off."

Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike after written assurance

The developments came a day after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving a written assurance from the Union Government on reforms to the competitive examination system.

In a video message, Wangchuk said Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh personally handed over the written commitment after extensive discussions.

He explained that while verbal assurances had been offered earlier, he insisted on a formal written document before ending his fast.

Late on Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Union Cabinet would consider a draft law providing for fast-track courts and stricter punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.

In a video message, the Prime Minister said the government had already arrested several accused and acted quickly to conduct fresh examinations so that students did not lose an academic year.

Background: Why is the paper leak row causing a political crisis?

The controversy began after allegations of irregularities in major national-level entrance examinations triggered widespread protests by students and youth organisations across the country.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched a nationwide agitation, demanding accountability for the alleged paper leaks, stricter safeguards for future examinations and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk later joined the movement with an indefinite hunger strike, bringing national attention to the issue.

The Opposition has accused the government of failing to protect the integrity of competitive examinations and has criticised the alleged police action against student protesters in Delhi. The government has maintained that investigations are underway and has promised legal and institutional reforms to prevent future paper leaks.

Although formal dialogue between the Centre and CJP has now begun and Wangchuk has ended his fast after receiving written assurances, the political standoff remains unresolved. The Congress and CJP continue to insist that Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is essential before any meaningful resolution or parliamentary discussion can move forward.