Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the alleged paper leak controversy, describing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a "criminal" and demanding his immediate removal from the Cabinet.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul alleged that the country's education system had collapsed under Pradhan's leadership and accused the government of failing to protect the interests of students. He claimed that the minister had become a symbol of the crisis facing India's examination system.

"He is the reason why thousands of people are on the streets. He has to go," Rahul said, asserting that students across the country had lost faith in the government's ability to conduct fair and transparent examinations.

Rahul Appears With Injured Student

During the media interaction, Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by a student who was allegedly injured during recent protests over the paper leak issue. Holding the student's arm before television cameras, Rahul pointed to what he described as pellet injuries and accused security forces of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.

According to Rahul, the student had participated in a peaceful protest carrying the national flag when he was allegedly struck by pellets.

"I want to tell you that the young man standing beside me was injured by a pellet gun while peacefully protesting with the Tricolour," Rahul said.

He further alleged that the student's eye had been seriously injured, resulting in partial loss of vision.

Government's Claims Rejected

Rahul questioned the government's stand that pellet guns were not used during the protests.

"The government says pellet guns were not used. But here is a student standing before you with injuries. Thousands of young people were lathi-charged and targeted," he alleged.

The Congress leader claimed the injured student had appeared for a police recruitment examination that was allegedly affected by a paper leak, forcing candidates to protest against what they described as repeated failures in the examination system.

Paper Leak Issue Intensifies Political Battle

The alleged paper leak controversy has become one of the most contentious political issues during the ongoing Parliament session.

Opposition parties have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that repeated examination irregularities have jeopardised the future of lakhs of students.

The ruling government has rejected the allegations of inaction, maintaining that investigations are underway and that those responsible for examination fraud will face strict punishment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced plans for stronger anti-paper leak legislation, including provisions for fast-track courts and tougher penalties against those involved in organised examination fraud.

Parliament Witnesses Repeated Disruptions

The controversy has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in both Houses of Parliament.

Opposition MPs have staged protests inside and outside Parliament, demanding accountability from the government and insisting that the Prime Minister address the issue directly in the House.

Congress leaders have argued that ministerial accountability is essential before any legislative measures are introduced to tackle paper leaks.

The government, however, has maintained that it is prepared to discuss the issue in Parliament while urging the Opposition to allow normal legislative business to continue.

Political Temperature Rises

Rahul Gandhi's latest remarks are expected to further escalate the political confrontation over the examination controversy.

By bringing an injured student before the media, the Congress has attempted to shift attention beyond allegations of paper leaks to questions surrounding the police response to student protests.

Meanwhile, the Centre continues to defend its handling of the issue, stating that investigations by central agencies are progressing and that institutional reforms are being introduced to safeguard future examinations.

With protests continuing and Parliament witnessing repeated disruptions, the paper leak issue remains one of the biggest political flashpoints ahead of further discussions in the House.