The Leader of the Opposition called the resignation a significant milestone for education reforms, while demanding accountability for the crackdown on protesting students and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has welcomed the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister, describing it as an important development for India’s education system and congratulating students who participated in nationwide protests over alleged examination paper leaks.
In a video message shared after Pradhan stepped down, Gandhi praised students for what he called their determination to defend democracy, the Constitution and their future.
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Rahul Gandhi calls resignation a major step
Congratulating students across the country, Rahul Gandhi said the resignation represented an important beginning toward reforming India’s education system.
He said the movement demonstrated the strength of collective action and encouraged other sections of society, including farmers and economically weaker communities, to continue raising their voices on issues affecting them.
According to Gandhi, the students’ protests reflected growing concerns over the condition of the education system as well as unemployment.
Congress leader raises two additional demands
While welcoming the ministerial change, Gandhi said the students’ demands were not yet fully addressed.
He called for action against officials responsible for the police action during protests and said those involved in planning or carrying out the alleged crackdown should be held accountable.
“Anyone who has raised a finger at our students, attacked them, shot at them has to be held accountable,” Gandhi said.
His second demand was for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly apologise to students who, according to Gandhi, were subjected to force during the demonstrations.
He said such an apology should be offered as a mark of respect for the country’s students.
Parliament protests over student issue
Rahul Gandhi has been at the forefront of the Opposition’s campaign against the government over the examination controversy.
During the recent Parliament session, Opposition parties repeatedly raised the issue, leading to disruptions in both Houses.
A day after the reported crackdown on students during a protest march toward Parliament, Gandhi also led a sit-in with Congress MPs outside the Prime Minister’s residence, demanding accountability and calling for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
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Government announces multiple measures
Even before the ministerial change, the Centre had announced a series of steps aimed at strengthening the examination system.
Among the measures announced were:
- Setting up fast-track courts to hear paper leak cases.
- Proposing amendments to existing laws to introduce stricter punishments and higher penalties.
- Replacing the Education Secretary.
- Removing 47 officials associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Initiating a broader overhaul of the examination process.
The government has said these measures are intended to improve transparency and restore public confidence in competitive examinations.
Focus shifts to education reforms
With Pralhad Joshi taking additional charge of the Ministry of Education following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, attention is now expected to shift toward the implementation of reforms promised by the Centre.
At the same time, the Opposition has indicated it will continue pressing the government to address concerns raised by students and ensure accountability for events linked to the protests.
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FAQ
Why did Rahul Gandhi welcome Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation?
Rahul Gandhi said the resignation marked an important first step toward reforming India’s education system and described it as a victory for students who participated in nationwide protests.
What are Rahul Gandhi’s two demands?
He has called for action against officials responsible for the crackdown on protesting students and has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to the students.
Why were students protesting?
The demonstrations were linked to allegations of examination paper leaks and demands for greater accountability and reforms in the education system.
What action has the government announced?
The Centre has announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases, proposed stricter laws, replaced senior education officials, removed several NTA officials and promised wider reforms to the examination system.
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