Pune: MLC Sadabhau Khot’s ‘Terrorism-Like Situation’ Remark on NEET Protests Sparks Political Row

Pune, 21st July 2026: A political controversy erupted on Tuesday after farmer leader and Maharashtra MLC Sadabhau Khot claimed that the ongoing NEET paper leak protests in Delhi were being politically orchestrated to create a “terrorism-like situation” in the country and defended Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan against demands for his resignation.

Speaking on the agitation, Khot said the demand for Pradhan’s resignation was unjustified as the Union minister had no direct role in the alleged paper leak.

“The investigation into the case is underway and the accused have already been arrested. Therefore, there is no justification for seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation,” Khot said.

Launching an attack on the INDIA bloc and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Khot alleged that political parties and social media groups were deliberately provoking the protests to create unrest.

“An atmosphere is being created against the Centre and the state government. Certain political parties and social media groups are instigating the agitation. The INDIA alliance and the Maha Vikas Aghadi are trying to create a situation similar to terrorism in the country,” he said.

Khot also remarked, “Narendra is at the Centre, Devendra is in the state, and Dharmendra is handling education. Therefore, the government should not seek Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation under any circumstances.”

His remarks drew sharp criticism from students participating in the NEET protest, who said they were being unfairly portrayed for demanding justice.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also condemned Khot’s statement, saying it was inappropriate to compare students demanding justice with terrorists.

“The alleged NEET paper leak has destroyed the future of lakhs of students. At such a time, Sadabhau Khot should be ashamed of likening students seeking justice to terrorists,” Wadettiwar said.

He further alleged that Khot had become a “mouthpiece” of the BJP because of the political support he had received. “When you agitated for farmers’ rights, were you a terrorist? Who gave you the right to brand the country’s youth as terrorists to shield the BJP from criticism?” Wadettiwar asked.

Khot’s comments have intensified the political slugfest over the NEET paper leak protests, with student groups and opposition leaders continuing to attack his remarks.