’When injustice becomes law, protest becomes duty’: U.T. Khader demands Pradhan’s resignation

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 22, 2026: Karnataka Health Minister and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister U.T. Khader on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the alleged NEET question paper leak, police action against protesting students and the handling of the controversy, saying, "When injustice becomes law, protest becomes a duty."

Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House in Mangaluru, Khader alleged that students protesting against the alleged paper leak and the reported suicides linked to the controversy were subjected to a brutal lathi-charge. He also claimed that, apart from the police, some local elements were involved in assaulting the protesters.

Condemning the detention of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders who supported the students, Khader alleged that the issue was not allowed to be discussed in Parliament. He claimed that whenever attempts were made to raise the matter, the proceedings were adjourned. Suppressing the voices of students both inside and outside Parliament, he said, was an insult to the Constitution and democratic values.

Khader alleged that lakhs of students and their families were under severe mental stress due to the controversy and claimed that nearly 20 students had died by suicide in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak. He questioned whether demanding reforms and accountability was wrong in a democracy, asserting that students and citizens had every right to protest against injustice.

Demanding accountability, the minister said the Union Education Minister should take moral responsibility for the alleged lapses and resign. He also sought financial compensation and support for the families of students who lost their lives or suffered severe mental trauma due to the controversy.

Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khader urged him to respond to the concerns of students and parents across the country. He questioned why the Centre had failed to intervene promptly, claiming that timely action could have prevented widespread protests.

Referring to Karnataka’s experience with NEET, Khader said the examination system was introduced in the state during the Congress government led by former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily and functioned without major irregularities. He alleged that after the Centre assumed control of the examination process, several issues emerged, including seats meant for Karnataka students being allotted to candidates from other states. If the Centre was unable to conduct the examination transparently, he said, the responsibility should be returned to the states.

Khader also demanded a thorough investigation to identify the alleged masterminds behind the paper leak. Referring to media reports, he said those responsible should be brought to justice and those bearing moral responsibility should step down.

The minister further called for a probe into the alleged presence of fake police personnel during the protests. Questioning how such individuals entered the police force and under whose influence they operated, he said a comprehensive investigation was necessary to fix accountability.

Drawing parallels with historic public movements, Khader said protests had always played a key role in bringing about change in a democracy. Reiterating that "when injustice becomes law, protest becomes a duty," he said the Congress would continue its agitation at the district and taluk levels until justice was delivered to the affected students.