. NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday intensified his attack on the Centre over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak row, demanding the removal of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Twenty-two lakh NEET kids have been cheated. Yet Modi ji isn’t uttering a single word. Remove Dharmendra Pradhan ji right now, or take responsibility yourself.”“Modi ji, SACK Dharmendra Pradhan ji NOW,” the Congress leader added.The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled NEET-UG 2026, held on May 3, after investigators found evidence that several questions similar to those in the examination paper had been circulated before the test. The government later handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), while the examination will now be re-conducted on June 21.The cancellation has affected nearly 23 lakh aspirants and marks the first time the entire NEET-UG examination has been scrapped since the NTA took over conducting the test in 2019. In 2024, the exam was partially re-conducted for 1,563 students following discrepancies in marks.Meanwhile, the CBI on Saturday arrested another alleged mastermind in the case. The accused, identified as Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, is a senior Botany teacher from Pune, Maharashtra.Also read | NEET paper leak: CBI arrests Pune botany teacher who NTA appointed as expertAccording to the agency, Mandhare was arrested in Delhi after questioning. Investigators alleged that she was the source of leaked Biology questions in the medical entrance examination.The CBI said Mandhare was associated with the NEET-UG 2026 examination process and had been appointed by the NTA as an expert, giving her access to Botany and Zoology question papers.Rahul Gandhi had also questioned the Centre on Friday over the rising number of suicides linked to the NEET paper leak row. Referring to the death of a 21-year-old student in Uttar Pradesh who allegedly died by suicide after the exam cancellation, he said, “These youngsters didn’t lose to the exams; they were killed by a corrupt system. This isn’t suicide—it’s murder by the system.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Misquoted’: CJI Surya Kant Clarifies ‘Cockroach’ Remarks On Unemployed YouthNetherlands Returns 11th Century Chola-Era Copper Plates To India During PM Modi’s Visit’Jhalmuri Reached Here Too?’: PM Modi Invokes Bengal Polls In Netherlands, Lauds Indian DiasporaRampur Court Sentences Azam Khan To 2 Years In 2019 Speech Case, SP Veteran Faces Fresh Legal BlowRG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’RG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’Delhi Court Grants Robert Vadra Bail In Shikohpur Land Deal Money Laundering Case,ED Probe ContinuesMamata Banerjee Tells Leaders Free To Leave TMC, Vows To Rebuild Party After Bengal Poll RoutJamiat Attacks Bhojshala Verdict, Says Ayodhya Judgment Opened Door To New Religious Site DisputesLiquor Row Turns Political In J&K: BJP Protests Outside Omar Abdullah Residence, NC Defends Policy123Photostories5 adorable pet dog breeds that grow tall and large8 vegetarian foods Indians used before protein powder existed8 local Indian foods loved around the worldHow to grow Mint endlessly in your balcony garden using kitchen scraps: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersHuma Qureshi brings Banaras to Cannes in royal purple saree with Riviera-inspired palm motifs5 signs a mother is mentally exhaustedNational Dengue Day 2026: Doctors warn Dengue is now a year-round threat, and families are still missing early signs6 delicious traditional Indian dishes made with rice flour6 signs your child is ready for preschoolJannat Zubair’s home, ‘gilded’ in gold and neutrals, is effortlessly luxurious: Artsy inspirations to take away123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingRishabh PantNEET PaperIPL Points TableNEET Aspirant DieKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeCBSE 2 Language RuleRussia Lavrow
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday intensified his attack on the Centre over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak row, demanding the removal of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Twenty-two lakh NEET kids have been cheated. Yet Modi ji isn’t uttering a single word. Remove Dharmendra Pradhan ji right now, or take responsibility yourself.”“Modi ji, SACK Dharmendra Pradhan ji NOW,” the Congress leader added.The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled NEET-UG 2026, held on May 3, after investigators found evidence that several questions similar to those in the examination paper had been circulated before the test. The government later handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), while the examination will now be re-conducted on June 21.The cancellation has affected nearly 23 lakh aspirants and marks the first time the entire NEET-UG examination has been scrapped since the NTA took over conducting the test in 2019. In 2024, the exam was partially re-conducted for 1,563 students following discrepancies in marks.Meanwhile, the CBI on Saturday arrested another alleged mastermind in the case. The accused, identified as Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, is a senior Botany teacher from Pune, Maharashtra.Also read | NEET paper leak: CBI arrests Pune botany teacher who NTA appointed as expertAccording to the agency, Mandhare was arrested in Delhi after questioning. Investigators alleged that she was the source of leaked Biology questions in the medical entrance examination.The CBI said Mandhare was associated with the NEET-UG 2026 examination process and had been appointed by the NTA as an expert, giving her access to Botany and Zoology question papers.Rahul Gandhi had also questioned the Centre on Friday over the rising number of suicides linked to the NEET paper leak row. Referring to the death of a 21-year-old student in Uttar Pradesh who allegedly died by suicide after the exam cancellation, he said, “These youngsters didn’t lose to the exams; they were killed by a corrupt system. This isn’t suicide—it’s murder by the system.”