Akhilesh Yadav Targets Centre Over NEET Paper Leak, Says ‘Pradhan Removed to Save Pradhan Mantri’

July 28, 2026

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre during the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, claiming that former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was removed to protect the Prime Minister’s image amid the NEET paper leak controversy.

Speaking during the debate, Yadav alleged that the government acted only after sustained protests by students and mounting public pressure over examination irregularities. He remarked that “Pradhan was removed to save Pradhan Mantri,” taking a swipe at the BJP over Pradhan’s resignation.

Akhilesh Credits Students for Forcing Government Action

The Samajwadi Party leader praised students who protested against the alleged NEET paper leak and said their movement compelled the government to respond.

He argued that young people had shown how democratic protests could force those in power to act and accused the Centre of initially ignoring their concerns before eventually making changes.

Opposition Attacks Government Over Exam Irregularities

Akhilesh Yadav questioned the government’s handling of examination irregularities and alleged that repeated paper leaks had shaken the confidence of students and parents.

He also criticised the Centre over its response to the protests and urged the government to ensure a transparent and accountable examination system through effective implementation of the proposed law.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill Under Debate

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to strengthen legal action against paper leaks and examination fraud through stricter penalties, faster trials and enhanced safeguards for public examinations.

The Bill continued to witness heated exchanges between the Treasury and Opposition benches during the Lok Sabha debate.