Congress Youth Wing Calls for Education Minister's Removal Over Exam Paper Leak Crisis

Hyderabad: The Telangana Youth Congress has intensified pressure on the Union government over recurring examination paper leaks, with the party's state general secretary calling for the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Mohammed Almas Khan contended that the proliferation of test irregularities—exceeding 90 instances—has fundamentally undermined public confidence in competitive, recruitment, and entrance examination systems nationwide. He argued that students who invested years in preparation have borne the brunt of systemic corruption, administrative lapses, and institutional negligence.

Khan specifically highlighted controversies involving NEET and other recruitment examinations, asserting that aspirants have endured repeated uncertainty despite their dedication. The erosion of trust in examination integrity, he maintained, has raised critical questions about governmental oversight and accountability mechanisms.

The Youth Congress leader directly challenged Pradhan's continued tenure, arguing that the education minister cannot evade responsibility as examination frameworks face mounting scrutiny. Khan stressed that moral accountability must rest with the minister, demanding swift intervention.

Beyond the resignation demand, Khan levelled broader accusations against the ruling BJP, alleging that the party dismisses those who critique government policies. He contended that students demanding justice are sidelined rather than engaged in constructive dialogue, drawing parallels to historical protest movements and claiming that government critics face stigmatization rather than substantive engagement.

Khan commended Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi's sustained advocacy on examination paper leaks, noting that Gandhi has amplified student grievances and ensured their concerns receive public attention despite perceived government indifference.

The Congress youth leader expressed support for the #ChhatronKiGoonj campaign, a nationwide initiative jointly launched by the Indian Youth Congress and NSUI. Khan characterized the movement as a grassroots effort to mobilize student concerns across districts and urban centres, with objectives centred on securing justice, establishing accountability, and implementing structural reforms to safeguard young people's futures.

In his concluding remarks, Khan demanded rigorous prosecution of those implicated in examination fraud and called for comprehensive reforms to rebuild institutional credibility. He emphasized that India's youth expect substantive accountability and systemic change from the Union government rather than defensive explanations.