‘Well done, students’: Rahul Gandhi hails Dharmendra Pradhan’s exit, says ‘huge step’ for education system

“Well done to students across the country; we are proud of all of you,” Gandhi said in a video message.

“It’s a first step, but a huge step in reshaping our education system,” he added.

Gandhi also congratulated young people who took to the streets, saying they had stood firm to protect democracy, the Constitution and their future.

“Heartiest congratulations to every young person, every student who took to the streets and stood firm to protect democracy, the Constitution, and their future,” he said.

‘Daro mat’: Gandhi calls victory a message to others

Gandhi said the students’ success should also serve as a message to other sections of society, including farmers and the poor, whom he accused the government of targeting.

“Daro mat. There is wisdom in standing up. Let's get rid of this regime,” he said.

‘Those who attacked students must be held accountable’

The Congress leader demanded action against officials accused of assaulting students during the protests.

“Anyone who has raised a finger at our students, attacked them, shot at them has to be held accountable,” he said.

Referring to the crackdown during the students’ march towards Parliament on July 20, Gandhi said both those who organised the action and those who implemented it must be punished.

He also demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the protesting students.

‘Prime Minister must apologise’

“And lastly, the Prime Minister must apologise to students who were brutalised during the protest,” Gandhi said.

He said the apology should come “out of respect” for India’s students.

“First of all, this is the victory of our students. This is their triumph. They are the future of India,” Gandhi told reporters.

He said India’s education system had once been a source of pride and was recognised globally for its quality, but alleged that it had been under attack for years.

PM Modi addressed the students in a video message during the Jantar Mantar protest. Photo: X/Narendra Modi/CJP

“It is being taken over and privatised. This is a reaction to that. It is also a reaction to unemployment,” Gandhi said.

Opposition steps up pressure on government

Gandhi has led the Opposition’s campaign against the government over the handling of the students’ protests, with the issue disrupting proceedings in both Houses of Parliament this week.

On July 21, a day after the crackdown, Gandhi led Congress MPs in a sit-in outside Prime Minister Modi’s residence, demanding accountability for the alleged assault on students as well as Pradhan’s resignation.

The resignation of Pradhan came after sustained protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had made his removal one of its key demands.

Centre announces measures to tackle paper leaks

Amid the growing protests, the Centre has announced a series of measures aimed at tackling paper leaks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the setting up of fast-track courts to hear paper leak cases.

The government is also planning amendments to the law dealing with paper leaks, including stricter punishments and higher fines.

The Centre has replaced the education secretary and removed 47 officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), while promising a broader overhaul of the examination system.

While Pradhan’s resignation marks a major victory for the protesting students, Gandhi’s latest remarks indicate that the Opposition intends to keep pressure on the government over accountability for the crackdown and the wider state of India’s education system.