The protest, led by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress leaders, was held over the alleged NEET paper leak, other examination irregularities and the police action against students during Monday's march to Parliament organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Police dispersed the demonstration around 6.30 pm and detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and several other Congress leaders. They were released later in the evening.

'Students being used as political tools'

Targeting the Congress, Pradhan said the party was "shamelessly exploiting students" to create disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

He also alleged that the protest violated security protocols around the Prime Minister's residence and caused inconvenience to the public.

'Government was ready for discussion'

Pradhan's remarks came after Union Minister Jitendra Singh claimed the Centre had accepted Rahul Gandhi's initial demand for a discussion in Parliament on the NEET controversy and other examination-related issues.

According to Singh, Rahul Gandhi later added a fresh demand seeking the resignation of the Education Minister, prompting the talks to break down.

'Political spectacle over democratic debate'

Echoing Jitendra Singh's allegations, Pradhan said the Congress chose confrontation despite the government's willingness to hold a comprehensive debate in Parliament.

"Even after the government conveyed its readiness for a comprehensive discussion, the Congress chose political spectacle over democratic debate. Their objective was never solutions for students; it was disruption for political headlines," Pradhan wrote in a post on X.

He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi's actions were politically motivated rather than aimed at addressing students' concerns.

"For Rahul Gandhi, this is not about students. This is about manufacturing confrontation after every genuine avenue for discussion has been opened," the minister said.