NEET Paper Leak: NSUI, Youth Congress Stage Dual Protests in Delhi, Demand Pradhan’s Resignation

Student organisations rally outside NTA office and Education Minister’s residence over alleged exam irregularities and cancellation of NEET-UG 2026

Hundreds of student activists staged coordinated protests in two locations across the national capital on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the removal of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

The demonstrations, led by Congress-affiliated student wings, came amid growing anger over repeated examination cancellations and what protesters called a “systematic compromise” of young candidates’ futures.

Protest outside NTA headquarters

Around 11 am, members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) gathered outside the NTA’s Okhla office. Led by NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar, the crowd tried to push past police barricades, leading to brief scuffles with paramilitary personnel deployed at the spot.

“We will not leave until the NTA is abolished,” shouted one protester as others raised placards reading “Merit over mafias” and “Ban the NTA.”

According to officials at the scene, the crowd swelled to nearly 300 within an hour. The protesters attempted to force their way into the premises but were pushed back by a combination of Delhi Police and central paramilitary forces. No major injuries have been reported so far.

March to minister’s residence

Roughly 12 kilometres away, another group of demonstrators gathered outside Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s official residence on Teen Murti Marg. Youth Congress members, separate from the NSUI contingent, raised slogans demanding Pradhan’s immediate resignation.

Witnesses said the crowd remained largely peaceful but vocal. “The minister cannot wash his hands off this. The paper leak has destroyed months of preparation for lakhs of students,” said a Youth Congress office-bearer who did not wish to be named.

The two protests, though organised separately, shared identical demands: a high-level investigation into the alleged leak, cancellation of the controversial exam cycle, and accountability at the top levels of the NTA.

Slogans and barricades

At the Okhla site, the atmosphere grew tense around midday when several NSUI members attempted to climb over police barricades. Paramilitary personnel immediately intervened, pushing the protesters back. No arrests were made immediately, but police officials said they were monitoring the situation.

Slogans raised included “Education Minister, resign,” “NTA Director General, resign,” and “Give justice to NEET students.” Former Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president Ronak Khatri was also present at the NTA protest, according to student leaders at the venue.

Security stepped up

Authorities had deployed additional forces in both locations since early morning. Paramilitary personnel stood guard outside the NTA office, while Delhi Police maintained a heavy presence around Teen Murti Marg.

A senior police officer told reporters that security arrangements were made after intelligence inputs suggested large mobilisations. “We are allowing peaceful protest but will not tolerate any attempt to breach law and order,” the officer said on condition of anonymity.

Background of the controversy

The protests follow allegations that the NEET-UG 2026 question paper was leaked hours before the examination held earlier this month. The NTA, which conducts the test, has faced intense scrutiny over repeated irregularities. Several student groups have accused the agency of mismanagement and lack of transparency.

The education ministry has not yet issued an official statement on Saturday’s protests. Calls to the NTA spokesperson went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

With the next hearing on the matter expected in the Supreme Court later this month, student leaders have threatened to escalate their agitation if their demands are not met.

In a major political escalation, Youth Congress chief custody grabs headlines after Indian Youth Congress (IYC) President Uday Bhanu Chib was remanded to four days by Patiala Court. Delhi Police hail him as the mastermind behind the chaotic AI Summit protest at Bharat Mandapam, attended by PM Narendra Modi.

Intense Interrogation Leads to Arrest

Chib, recently appointed IYC national president, was summoned for questioning on February 23. After nearly 20 hours of grilling, police arrested him late Sunday. They had sought seven days' remand but got four. So far, eight arrests, including four from the protest day and three Congress leaders from Madhya Pradesh—like Gwalior's Jitendra Yadav.

Protesters allegedly sneaked in via QR codes, hid slogans under jackets, and flashed T-shirts with PM Modi's photo and "PM is compromised." Clashes with security followed, police say.

Defence Challenges Custody Need

Chib's lawyer fought back: "Seven-eight T-shirts recovered already. No need for custody just to trace printers." But police insist deeper probe into planning.

This Uday Bhanu Chib arrest ties into rising protests—like BJP's black flags to Rahul Gandhi's convoy in Mumbai—showing heated national politics.

Congress Cries Foul, BJP Hits Back

Congress slams the Youth Congress chief custody as "unconstitutional," defending protest rights. IYC's Shesh Narayan Ojha called it peaceful: "Govt stifles dissent with force." X posts accuse political vendetta.

BJP counters, terming the AI Summit protest an insult to PM and international event. Nationwide BJP demos demand action.

Why It Matters Now

Amid AI boom and global summits, this disrupts India's tech push. PM Modi's presence amps stakes. For Madhya Pradesh readers, Gwalior arrests hit home—local Congress faces heat. Timely as elections loom, it fuels BJP-Congress rivalry.

Expert Take: Political analyst Rajiv Sharma notes, "Such arrests polarize youth wings, testing protest limits in Modi's India."

Key Takeaways:

• 8 arrested total; probe eyes more.
  
  

• T-shirts, posters seized from accused's vehicle.
  
  

• Highlights free speech vs. security clash.
  
  

Police continue tracing protest materials. Stay tuned for updates on this Youth Congress chief custody saga.

Uday Bhanu Chib Arrested After 20-Hour Interrogation in AI Impact Summit Protest Case

In a major political development in the national capital, Uday Bhanu Chib arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with the protest and alleged commotion during the AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam. The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National President was interrogated for nearly 20 hours on February 23 before being formally taken into custody.

So far, eight individuals have been arrested in the case, including Youth Congress leader Jitendra Yadav from Gwalior. The incident has sparked sharp political reactions, intensifying the debate over protest rights and political dissent in India.

What Happened Inside Bharat Mandapam?

The incident dates back to February 20, when 11 Youth Congress members allegedly entered Bharat Mandapam after registering online and scanning QR codes for entry into the AI Impact Summit.

According to police officials:

 Protesters removed their jackets inside the venue.

 They waved white T-shirts displaying photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

 Slogans reading “PM is compromised” were displayed.

 Anti-government slogans were raised during the summit proceedings.

Investigators claim that protest materials were concealed under clothing to bypass security checks. Additional T-shirts and posters were later recovered from a vehicle allegedly linked to one of the accused.

An FIR has been registered at Tilak Nagar Police Station under non-bailable sections. Earlier, Patiala House Court sent four of the accused to five days of police remand.

Congress Calls It Suppression of Democratic Rights

Following the arrest, Youth Congress National General Secretary Shesh Narayan Ojha accused the government of curbing democratic dissent.

He stated that peaceful protest cannot be termed anti-national and compared the action to “British-era rule.” According to him, protest is a democratic right guaranteed under the Constitution.

Ojha further alleged that:

 Police used lathi-charge and water cannons in multiple states.

 Youth Congress workers were detained at Jantar Mantar.

 Leaders were targeted to silence opposition voices.

The arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib has therefore become more than a law-and-order issue—it has turned into a political flashpoint between Congress and the ruling party.

BJP Reacts, Investigation Continues

The Bharatiya Janata Party staged protests across Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, accusing Congress leaders of insulting the Prime Minister and disrupting an international-level summit focused on artificial intelligence.

BJP leaders described the act as an embarrassment on a global platform, especially at a time when India is positioning itself as a global AI hub.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Authorities are working to:

 Identify additional participants.

 Trace the printing source of protest materials.

 Examine security lapses at the venue.

Why This Matters Now

The AI Impact Summit comes at a crucial time when India is strengthening its digital and AI ecosystem. Disruptions at such events raise questions about security protocols, political tensions, and the boundaries of democratic protest.

With national elections and political polarization shaping the public discourse, the Uday Bhanu Chib arrested case is likely to remain in headlines in the coming days.

The arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib has added a new chapter to the ongoing political confrontation between Congress and the BJP. While police maintain that the action was necessary under the law, the Youth Congress calls it suppression of dissent.

As investigations proceed, the case underscores a larger national debate: Where should the line be drawn between protest and disruption?

The coming days will determine whether this remains a legal matter—or evolves into a broader political storm.