Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Sonia Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government Over NEET Protests
Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the Congress Party, has criticized the Modi government for how they handled protests about a leaked exam called NEET.
She said the government used too much force against peaceful protesters and has not been fair in education policies.
She also mentioned that many students are unhappy because there are not enough jobs after they graduate.
The protests are still happening, and some people want the education minister to resign.
Sonia Gandhi accused the Modi government of using 'cowardice and wanton cruelty' against peaceful NEET protesters.
She described July 20 as a 'day of infamy' due to police actions against protesters.
Gandhi criticized the government's education policies, alleging reduced funding and increased reliance on private contractors.
She mentioned 152 alleged exam leaks, including nine involving the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Gandhi linked student unrest to high unemployment rates among graduates and criticized the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Who
- Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson
- What
- Criticism of the Modi government's handling of NEET protests and education policies
- When
- July 20, 2023
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- Alleged NEET paper leak and broader concerns over education and employment
Congress Party
Modi Government
Handling of Protests
Congress Party
The government has responded with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty' and used excessive force against peaceful protesters.
Modi Government
The government has not publicly responded to these allegations.
Education Policies
Congress Party
The government has reduced funding for public education and increased reliance on private contractors for exams.
Modi Government
The government has not publicly responded to these allegations.
- Date of Protests
- July 20, 2023
- Protest Location
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Protesters' Demands
- Accountability from the Government of India and education reform
- Alleged Exam Leaks
- 152 alleged examination paper leaks across India over the past 12 years, including nine involving the NTA since 2017
- Education Funding
- Share of Union Budget for school education reduced by around 50%, higher education funding reduced by 33%
- Public vs. Private Schools
- Nearly one lakh public schools shut, 43,000 private schools opened over the past 12 years
- Unemployment Among Graduates
- Around 40% in recent years
