Opposition Demands Amit Shah's Resignation Over NEET Protest Crackdown, Plans Fresh Parliament Showdown

The political fallout from the NEET paper leak controversy is set to intensify as Opposition parties prepare to target Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the ongoing Parliament session, demanding his resignation over the police action against students protesting the examination scandal. The demand comes days after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister following a 36-day agitation over the NEET paper leak.

Speaking ahead of Parliament's proceedings, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas alleged that Amit Shah, as the minister overseeing law and order, must be held accountable for the police crackdown on students during the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march in New Delhi.

Referring to Shah's recent statement that the government respected the students who led the protests, Brittas questioned why that respect was absent when protesters were allegedly subjected to police action over the past several weeks.

"If there is even a grain of sincerity in those words, Amit Shah too should resign. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. The home minister, who is responsible for this brutal assault on innocent students, must also step down," Brittas said.

Opposition to Raise Police Action in Parliament

The INDIA bloc is expected to seek an urgent discussion in Parliament on the alleged use of force against students protesting the NEET 2026 paper leak. Opposition parties are likely to question the reported deployment of plainclothes personnel during the protest, allegations regarding the use of pellet guns, and the injuries sustained by student demonstrators.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking accountability for the police action, while Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose has submitted a notice requesting suspension of business to discuss the issue.

The protests, which began on June 20, concluded after the government accepted several demands of the protesters and Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister. However, the police action during the July 20 march towards Parliament has emerged as a major political flashpoint.

Debate Over Anti-Paper Leak Law

Alongside the political confrontation, Parliament is scheduled to consider the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening India's anti-paper leak framework.

The proposed amendments introduce significantly stricter punishments for examination fraud. Individuals found guilty of leaking question papers could face up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh, while organised examination fraud syndicates could attract penalties reaching ₹10 crore.

While supporting stronger legal measures against examination fraud, Brittas argued that India already enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and questioned why effective implementation had not prevented recurring paper leak incidents.

According to the Opposition, the issue lies not in the absence of legislation but in inadequate enforcement and alleged administrative failures.

Questions Over Higher Education Secretary Appointment

The Opposition is also expected to question the appointment of Naresh Pal Gangwar as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education. Brittas alleged that Gangwar had previously faced accusations relating to irregularities in the disbursal of government subsidies and argued that transparency in public examinations required appointments beyond reproach.

Government Rejects Allegations

Separately, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also blamed Amit Shah for the police action, alleging that students were assaulted and women protesters were harassed during the demonstrations.

The BJP rejected the allegations, with party spokesperson Navnath Ban dismissing the Opposition's criticism as politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has denied allegations that pellet guns were used during the July 20 protest, while the CRPF has not publicly responded to claims involving its Rapid Action Force.

With the NEET paper leak continuing to dominate the national political agenda, the issue is expected to trigger another heated confrontation in Parliament as the government defends its handling of both the protests and proposed examination reforms.