Last Updated on July 26, 2026 1:13 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
Andalib Akhter
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday welcomed the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister, describing it as a significant milestone in the effort to reform India’s education system. Addressing students through a video message, Gandhi congratulated those who participated in nationwide protests, saying their determination had brought about an important political outcome.
“Well done, students,” Gandhi said, praising young protesters for standing up to safeguard democracy, the Constitution and their future. He termed Pradhan’s resignation “the first step, but a very important step” towards transforming the country’s education system and expressed pride in students across India for their sustained campaign.
Extending his congratulations, Gandhi said the development was a victory for every young person who had taken to the streets in support of their rights. He also argued that the students’ success should inspire other sections of society, including farmers and economically weaker communities, whom he claimed were facing increasing pressure from the government.
Urging people not to be afraid, Gandhi said citizens should continue to raise their voices against what he described as injustice and work towards political change.
While welcoming the minister’s exit, Gandhi stressed that two major demands raised by the students remain unresolved. He called for strict action against those responsible for the alleged use of force on student protesters and reiterated the demand for an apology from the Prime Minister.
“Anyone who raised a hand against our students, attacked them or fired at them must be held accountable,” Gandhi said.
Referring to the police action during the students’ march towards Parliament on July 20, the Congress leader maintained that both those who planned the crackdown and those who carried it out should face appropriate punishment. He said accountability for the alleged assault on protesters remains essential to delivering justice.
“And lastly, the Prime Minister must apologise to students who were brutalised during the protest,” Gandhi said, adding that the Prime Minister must do so “out of respect” for the students of India.
“First of all, this is the victory of our students. This is their triumph. They are the future of India. Our education system used to be a matter of pride. It was acknowledged across the world that India’s education system was excellent. But for years, it has been under attack. It is being taken over and privatised. This is a reaction to that. It is also a reaction to unemployment,” Rahul Gandhi told reporters.
On July 21, a day after the crackdown, Rahul Gandhi led a Congress MPs’ sit-in outside the Prime Minister’s residence to demand accountability for the assault on students and Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Responding to the growing student protests, the Centre has taken a series of steps in the last two days to check the paper leak menace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the setting up of fast-track courts to try paper leak cases.