Rahul Gandhi calls Pradhan's exit symbolic, seeks PM's apology, action on officials
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as a "symbolic" and significant step towards rebuilding India's education
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as a "symbolic" and significant step towards rebuilding India's education system, while demanding action against officials responsible for the crackdown on students and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation as Union Education Minister on Saturday. It marks a rare case in which a senior Modi government minister has stepped down amid sustained street protests and political pressure. Read Full Story In a video message, Gandhi said, "Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is a huge step in rebuilding our education system.
It's a symbolic step because he was a symbol, but it is still a big step." He congratulated students and young people who participated in the protests, saying, "I want to congratulate every single student, every single youngster who came out on the streets and fought for democracy, fought for the future of this country and defended the Constitution. I'm proud of you. Well done." Gandhi said the resignation also sent a message to other sections of society. "It's also a signal to other parts of society, farmers, labourers, poor people, anybody who this regime is attacking and oppressing.
There is wisdom and courage in standing up. Don't fear, let's get rid of this regime, this regime that is attacking India, destroying our Constitution, capturing all our institutions," he said. The Congress leader said two demands were still pending despite Pradhan's resignation. "Let me remind the government, there is still two demands outstanding. The first one and most important one, anybody who has raised a finger on our students, beaten them, shot at them, has to be held accountable. People who've organised it, people who've implemented it, all have to be punished," Gandhi said.
He also demanded an apology from the Prime Minister. "And the final demand that the Prime Minister of India, out of respect for the students of India, out of respect for the future of India, has to apologise to the students who were brutalised and attacked," Gandhi said. Ends
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