Rahul Gandhi Alleges RSS Controls India’s Education System, Says Dharmendra Pradhan Was ‘Only a Symbol’

July 29, 2026

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Centre during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) controls India’s education system and that replacing the Education Minister alone would not bring any meaningful reforms.

Participating in the discussion on the anti-paper leak legislation, the Congress MP claimed that the RSS has significant influence over educational institutions across the country.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges RSS Controls Educational Institutions

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was “only a symbol” and alleged that the RSS exercises control over key positions in the country’s education system.

“The RSS has captured the examination system. RSS members occupy every major position. Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation will not change anything because he was only a symbol. The RSS is running the country’s education system. Every university has an RSS vice-chancellor,” Gandhi alleged.

He argued that structural reforms, rather than replacing individual ministers, were needed to restore public confidence in the education system.

Congress MP Defends Student Protests Over NEET-UG 2026

Rahul Gandhi also defended the nationwide student protests over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination, saying the demonstrations reflected the genuine concerns of India’s youth.

He said the protests were neither driven by hatred nor violence but represented a peaceful expression of students worried about their future.

“I was very excited and reassured by what the future of this country did on our streets. This was not anger, this was not violence, this was not hatred. This was a deep expression of the youth of this country,” Gandhi said, urging all political parties to respect the sentiments of students.

He further claimed that even BJP leaders would find similar views among their own children if they discussed the issue with them.

‘Students, Idiots and Andhbhakts’ Remark Triggers Protests

The debate turned heated after Rahul Gandhi referred to a conversation with an 18-year-old student and said society had been divided into three categories: “students, idiots and andhbhakts.”

He further remarked that an “andhbhakt is a person who is absolutely convinced that another idiot is God.”

The comments sparked strong protests from members of the ruling NDA, who termed the language unparliamentary and demanded that the remarks be withdrawn.

Kiren Rijiju Objects to Remarks

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju intervened during the debate and urged Rahul Gandhi to avoid using language considered unparliamentary.

“We don’t want to disrupt your speech, but you used unparliamentary language. You continue, but don’t use that language,” Rijiju said.

As protests continued from the treasury benches, Rahul Gandhi appealed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to maintain order in the House, saying interruptions began every time he started speaking.

The debate comes amid an ongoing political confrontation between the government and the Opposition over the handling of alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the introduction of the amended anti-paper leak legislation.