Accountability can't be evaded: Opposition says Pradhan's exit is students' win
Weeks of sustained protests, negotiations and political pressure have culminated in a rare political climbdown by the Modi government. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
Weeks of sustained protests, negotiations and political pressure have culminated in a rare political climbdown by the Modi government. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation has prompted opposition leaders to credit the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led movement as a victory for students and a testament to the power of public mobilisation. While welcoming the move, they credited the CJP's sustained agitation under founder Abhijeet Dipke for forcing accountability and demanded sweeping education reforms, action against those accused of attacking protesters and an apology from the Centre. Read Full Story Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi termed Pradhan's resignation "a huge step towards reshaping our education system" and congratulated students across the country for what he described as their unwavering commitment to democracy and constitutional values. "Heartiest congratulations to every young person, every student who took to the streets and stood firm to protect democracy, the Constitution, and their future," Gandhi posted on X. However, he said two key demands remained unresolved. Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to students and said action must be taken against those responsible for violence against protesters. He also used the occasion to appeal to farmers, labourers and other sections of society to continue fighting for their rights through constitutional means, concluding his post with a call to "remove this government". THE STREETS FORCED A RECKONING The Congress echoed Rahul Gandhi's remarks, describing the resignation as "a victory for the youth" and particularly for India's Gen Z. In a statement posted on X, the party said millions of young people had united to demand reforms in the education system and had ultimately forced an "incompetent and corrupt" Education Minister to resign. The party also claimed Rahul Gandhi and the Congress had consistently championed the issue from "the streets to Parliament" since the alleged NEET paper leak first surfaced. It said the movement would continue until the education system was reformed and demanded that Prime Minister Modi apologise for the police action against student protesters. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said the youth had reclaimed their voice and forced "an undemocratic and oppressive government" to yield. Congratulating students who participated in the protests, she said they had stood firm for what was right and urged them never to let their spirit be suppressed. "You are the soul of our beautiful nation," she wrote, encouraging young people to remain "strong and brave always." The youth of India have started to take our country back from those who tried to suppress their voice today is the day an undemocratic and oppressive government was forced to bend to the will of the people of India.
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