Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation amid massive student protests at Jantar Mantar is a “huge step towards reshaping India’s education system.”
“Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is a huge step towards reshaping our education system. Well done to students across the country; we are proud of all of you. Heartiest congratulations to every young person, every student who took to the streets and stood firm to protect democracy, the Constitution, and their future,” the Congress leader said in a video message shared on X.
Facing nationwide student protests over paper leaks, Pradhan tendered his resignation, saying that he didn’t want “anti-national” elements to benefit from the Jantar Mantar protest.
“…To ensure that anti-national elements do not benefit from the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that the nation remains united, students in India do not get tangled in legal complexities and focus on their studies and their career, I have tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister…,” Pradhan said in a letter posted on X.
However, Rahul Gandhi said that two more demands still remain — the Prime Minister should apologise while respecting the students and India’s future, and action should be taken against those guilty of violence against students.
“Time has come to remove this government”
Calling upon the farmers, labourers, the poor and every person whom the government has allegedly suppressed and crushed, Rahul said the time has come to remove this government.
“For other sections of society—farmers, laborers, the poor, every person whom this government has suppressed and crushed—true courage lies in standing firm in a constitutional manner for one’s dignity. The time has come to remove this government. Don’t be afraid!” he added.
While Rahul Gandhi didn’t share the stage with CJP leaders at Jantar Mantar, he staged a dharna outside PM Modi’s residence against the brutal police crackdown on students during their July 20 march to Parliament.
The Congress leader has been holding a parallel campaign against the paper leaks and Pradhan’s resignation was one of his key demands.
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera, however, had visited Jantar Mantar in a show of solidarity with the protesting students.