UT Khader demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over NEET controversy

Karnataka Health Minister and Dakshina Kannada District In charge Minister UT Khader has called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the reported police action against protesting students.

Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House in Mangaluru on Wednesday, Khader alleged that students protesting against the reported examination irregularities and the deaths linked to the controversy were subjected to a violent police crackdown. He also claimed that, apart from police personnel, some local individuals were involved in assaulting protesters.

Khader strongly criticised the detention of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders who had expressed support for the students. He alleged that the issue was not allowed to be discussed in Parliament and said repeated attempts by the Opposition to raise the matter resulted in disruptions. According to him, suppressing the voices of students and elected representatives goes against democratic values and the Constitution.

The minister claimed that lakhs of students and their families were facing severe mental stress because of the controversy. Referring to reports of student suicides, he said those responsible for the alleged lapses should be held accountable and questioned whether demanding transparency and reforms could be considered wrong in a democracy.

Khader urged Dharmendra Pradhan to accept moral responsibility and step down from his post. He also called for financial assistance and support for the families of students who had lost their lives or experienced severe emotional distress.

Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khader urged him to respond to the concerns of students and parents across the country. He said timely intervention by the central government could have prevented the widespread protests.

Speaking about Karnataka’s experience with NEET, Khader said the examination system functioned smoothly when it was first introduced in the state during the Congress government led by former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily. He alleged that problems began after the central government assumed control of the examination process and claimed that seats meant for Karnataka students had been allotted to candidates from other states. He argued that if the Centre could not conduct the examination transparently, the responsibility should be returned to the states.

Khader also demanded a thorough investigation into those allegedly involved in the reported paper leak and questioned who the masterminds behind the incident were. He said everyone responsible should be identified and brought to justice.

The minister further sought an inquiry into allegations that fake police personnel were present during the student protests. He said authorities should investigate how such individuals allegedly operated and fix accountability if the claims were found to be true.

Concluding his remarks, Khader said public protests have historically played an important role in strengthening democracy. He added that the Congress would continue its campaign across districts and taluks until justice is delivered to the affected students.