New Delhi: The political battle over the NEET paper leak controversy intensified on Thursday as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi led INDIA bloc leaders in a march to Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi, expressing solidarity with protesting students.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by INDIA bloc MPs, reached Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi on Thursday to express solidarity with students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak and recent police action during demonstrations. The Opposition leaders reiterated their demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, saying students deserve justice, accountability and reforms in the examination system, even as the Centre maintained that it is ready to discuss the issue in Parliament.

The Opposition leaders said the march was aimed at standing with students affected by alleged examination irregularities and those injured during recent protests. They continued their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding the government responsible for addressing concerns surrounding the examination system.

The march came amid a larger political confrontation between the Centre and Opposition parties over whether the NEET issue should be discussed in Parliament and what action should follow.

Rahul Gandhi says students are not alone

Before the march, Rahul Gandhi said Opposition MPs decided to come out in support of students who had been protesting on the streets.

"Our students are on the road, so all the opposition MPs felt that we should also be on the road," Gandhi said.

He added that the Opposition wanted to send a message that students were not alone and that their concerns over examination irregularities and accountability were being raised.

In a post on X, Gandhi said INDIA bloc leaders were heading to Gandhi Smriti to remember students affected by the NEET controversy and to support those injured during protests.

Police barricades stop Opposition march route

Ahead of the protest, security arrangements were tightened outside Rahul Gandhi's residence as Congress workers gathered before the march.

Opposition leaders said they initially planned to march towards India Gate but were stopped by authorities. Gandhi said the leaders then decided to proceed towards Gandhi Smriti.

He said that although they were unable to move ahead as planned, the main message of the march was to show support for students demanding justice and accountability.

Opposition demands Pradhan's resignation

The Opposition has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities linked to competitive examinations.

The INDIA bloc has maintained that discussions in Parliament should be linked with accountability measures, including action against those responsible and responsibility from the ministry.

The Centre, however, has said it is ready for a discussion on the NEET issue and has accused the Opposition of avoiding debate in Parliament.

Parliament deadlock continues over NEET issue

The march took place amid a continuing deadlock between the government and Opposition parties in Parliament.

Opposition leaders have demanded a discussion under specific parliamentary rules and have continued to press for Pradhan's resignation.

The government has argued that discussions should happen without preconditions and said action has already been initiated against those accused in paper leak cases.

Both ruling and Opposition MPs also held separate protests inside the Parliament complex on Thursday, highlighting the growing political divide over the issue.

INDIA bloc leaders join protest

Several senior Opposition leaders participated in the meeting and march, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, P Chidambaram, KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Renuka Chowdhury and other INDIA bloc leaders.

Leaders from parties including the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), Rashtriya Janata Dal, Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India and Shiv Sena (UBT) also participated in the Opposition's mobilisation.

NEET row expands beyond examination concerns

The NEET controversy has now developed into a wider political dispute involving student groups, opposition parties and the government.

While student organisations continue protests demanding reforms and accountability, the Centre has maintained that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of examination-related offences.

The latest Opposition march added another layer to the ongoing confrontation, with both sides continuing to push their positions over responsibility, investigation and the future of students.