The Opposition, across political parties, reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance of setting up fast-track courts for paper leak cases, insisting on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
In a post on X on Thursday (July 23, 2026), Mr. Modi said fast-track courts would be set up to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. These courts will be akin to the MP/MLA fast-track courts, his post said.
His post garnered reactions from across the political spectrum, from Leader of Opposition and Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge to TMC MP Sagarika Ghose and SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav.
Responding to Mr. Modi’s post, Mr. Gandhi reiterated three demands: sack Mr. Pradhan, apologise to students and take action against those who assaulted students. In a post on X, he said, “You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system - and protected every person responsible for it. The students’ demands are clear: 1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan. 2. Apologise to the students. 3. Take action against those who assaulted them.”
You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most.
You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system - and protected every person responsible for it.
The students' demands are clear:
1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan.
2. Apologise to… https://t.co/0MK4wPMNiK
Mr. Kharge, responding to the post, also reiterated the three demands, saying, the education system has corroded under the Prime Minister’s watch. His post further said, “Education system has corroded under your watch. We do not need platitudes or peacemeal announcements. Your government lathicharged the youth, used pellet guns, shock batons, indiscriminate brutality with impunity, as if they are not our own children. Come out of your air-conditioned ivory towers and look into the eyes of the young men and women who bled on the streets, fighting your dictatorship.”
He said the youth wants three demands to be fulfilled: sack Mr. Pradhan, apologise for atrocities against students and provide justice to those targeted.
.@narendramodi ji,
Education system has corroded under your watch. We do not need platitudes or peacemeal announcements.
Your government lathicharged the youth, used pellet guns, shock batons, indiscriminate brutality with impunity, as if they are not our own children.
Come…
“RSS has captured the education system. Youth Unemployment is skyrocketing at 29% (PLFS). No Private jobs, handful of permanent government jobs. Contractualisation at its peak. All doors are shut. Where does the youth go to demand a future?,” Mr. Kharge added in his post.
Ms. Ghose, speaking to the media, before the commencement of the Parliament session said, our stand is clear: first resignation, and then the discussion. She also said we are ready to discuss the NEET examination issue, but Union Mr. Pradhan must resign first.
“Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda is holding press conferences and addressing the media, but Mr. Pradhan has not uttered a single word. Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. The truth is that the Prime Minister is shielding him. What is so special about Dharmendra Pradhan that he is being protected from resigning? Why has he not stepped down? Our position remains unchanged... first the resignation, then the discussion,” the TMC MP said.
Mr. Yadav, speaking to the press said Mr. Pradhan has to resign before any discussion that takes place. Responding to Mr. Modi’s post on X, Mr. Yadav asked why the Prime Minister is not listening to the concerns of the youth.
“Why is this agitation taking place? Why is the Prime Minister not listening to the concerns of the youth? The future of lakhs of young people has been ruined. There have been so many examination paper leaks, and many aspirants have crossed the age limit,” the SP MP added.
Further, the CJP also responded to the Prime Minister’s post, saying “Dhamendra Pradhan must resign”.
Published - July 23, 2026 10:49 am IST