Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Criminal’ Charge Rocks Parliament, Ministry Faces Tough Questions On Pellet Gun Use

Rahul Gandhi: Parliament’s Monsoon Session turned combative on Friday after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan a “criminal education minister,” accusing him of presiding over the collapse of India’s exam system.

Gandhi Presents Injured Student As Evidence

Speaking outside Sonia Gandhi’s residence, the Leader of Opposition brought forward a student protester, identified as Sahil, who was allegedly hit by a pellet gun during the July 20 demonstrations against the NEET paper leak. Medical reports and victim statements reportedly confirmed pellet gun use, even as Delhi Police had denied it.

“My brother was struck by a pellet gun when he was peacefully protesting with a tricolour in hand,” Gandhi said, standing beside the injured student.

Three Demands On The Table

Gandhi laid out Congress’s conditions for any dialogue with the government: Pradhan’s removal, action against officials who ordered pellet gun use and lathi charges on students, and a public apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed he was denied the chance to raise the issue on the floor of the House.

Government Faces Pressure From Two Fronts

Rahul Gandhi: The charge lands as the Centre simultaneously pushes its tougher Anti-Paper Leak Bill through Cabinet, trying to show it is acting on exam security even as opposition anger shifts toward alleged police excess against protesting students. Gandhi also referenced Modi’s midnight video message, arguing it sidestepped the resignation demand entirely.

With Congress refusing talks until its conditions are met, and the Education Ministry yet to respond formally to the pellet gun allegations, the standoff is likely to dominate the remainder of the Monsoon Session. Whether the ministry orders an independent inquiry into the July 20 crackdown will be the next flashpoint to watch.