Opposition Leaders React After Education Minister Resigns Amid Student Protests
Opposition parties describe the resignation as a major victory for students and intensify criticism of the central government.
The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has triggered strong reactions from opposition leaders across India. The move comes after weeks of nationwide student protests over alleged irregularities in the education system, including the NEET paper leak controversy.
Following growing public and political pressure, Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition parties have described the development as a significant victory for students and young people who have been demanding accountability.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the voices of students had finally reached the government. In a post on X, he called the resignation a victory for the country’s youth and criticised the government for failing to protect the future of millions of students. Kharge argued that the resignation alone was not enough and urged Prime Minister Modi to personally apologise to affected students. He also demanded action against officials accused of using force against peaceful protesters.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the government, saying the resignation reflected the determination of young people who continued their protests despite challenges. She claimed that people across the country had begun reclaiming their democratic rights and condemned the reported use of force against student demonstrators. According to her, peaceful protesters were treated unfairly, and the government must take responsibility.
Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut also responded to the resignation, calling it an important signal for the leadership of the central government. He said the issue had grown beyond the alleged paper leak and had become a broader demand for transparency and accountability in the education system.
Opposition leaders have said they will continue raising the issue both inside Parliament and through public campaigns until stronger measures are taken to ensure fairness in examinations and protect the rights of students.