Rahul slams PM Modi after NEET 2026 cancellation, calls ‘Amrit Kaal’ a ‘poison era’

Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led government at the Centre over the cancellation of the NEET examination, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday (May 12) said that PM Modi’s ‘Amrit Kaal’ has turned into a “poison era” for the country.

The Congress leader, in a post on X, further stated that the development was not just a "failure" but a "crime" against the future of the country’s youth.

'Parents sacrificed, students betrayed'

Elaborating further, Rahul said that scores of parents across the country were trying to ensure that their children could get NEET coaching, but they only got paper leaks, negligence by the government and corruption in the education sector.

Also Read: NEET UG 2026 cancelled over paper leak allegations, NTA orders re-exam

"The NEET 2026 exam has been cancelled. The hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of more than 22 lakh students have been crushed by this corrupt BJP regime. Some fathers took loans, some mothers sold their jewellery, lakhs of children stayed up all night studying, and in return, they got paper leaks, government negligence, and organised corruption in education. This is not just a failure--it's a crime against the future of the youth," said Rahul.

'Paper mafia walks free'

Rahul said that every time the “paper mafia” goes scot free, the students are subjected to the ordeal, adding that if one’s destiny is determined by money and connection, then what will be the significance of the education system?

Also Read: No TN student in top 10 NEET-UG rankings this year; experts explain why

"Every time, the paper mafia gets away scot-free, while honest students bear the punishment. Now, lakhs of students will once again endure the same mental stress, financial burden, and uncertainty. If one's destiny is determined not by hard work but by money and connections, then what meaning will education hold? The Prime Minister's so-called Amrit Kaal has turned into a poison era for the country," stated Rahul.

'Amrit Kaal turned poison era'

Earlier in the day, the Centre announced the cancellation of the medical entrance examination held on May 3, stating that the test would be conducted again on dates to be announced separately. The Government has also handed over the matter to the CBI for a detailed investigation into the allegations.

Also Read: Top score in NEET UG-2025 stands at 686, lowest in exam's history

In a statement, the National Testing Agency (NTA) said concerns flagged by central and law enforcement agencies raised serious questions over the credibility of the process. "On the basis of the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the central agencies" the statement said.

The agency added that the "present examination process could not be allowed to stand." It further stated, "NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and will provide all materials, records, and assistance the inquiry requires." Nearly 22.79 lakh candidates had appeared for the examination.