Congress Intensifies Call for Education Minister's Resignation Amid NEET Controversy
Escalation of Demands for Minister's Removal
Gandhi addresses a press conference amid the ongoing protest over the NEET paper leak issue, in New Delhi, on Saturday. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, July 25: On Saturday, the Congress party amplified the Opposition's demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing discussions within Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet regarding a potential reassignment of Pradhan to a different ministry.
During a press conference after meeting with student protesters at his home, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, emphasized that the call for Pradhan's removal is "non-negotiable" and dismissed any suggestions of merely shifting him to another role within the Cabinet.
"There are discussions in Modi's Cabinet suggesting that moving Dharmendra Pradhan to another ministry could be a solution; this is unacceptable to the students of India and the public," Gandhi stated.
He accused Pradhan of embodying "corruption" and the failures of the education system, arguing that simply relocating him would not resolve the issues faced by students.
"Pradhan represents corruption and the detrimental impact on the future of India's youth. He symbolizes the degradation of our most precious asset—our students and their prospects," Gandhi asserted.
Reaffirming the Opposition's stance, Gandhi noted that students have presented three "non-negotiable" demands to the government, with the primary one being the dismissal of the Education Minister.
"Dharmendra Pradhan, who is corrupt, incompetent, and misaligned, must be removed from his position," he declared.
Gandhi also expressed solidarity with the students protesting at Jantar Mantar, assuring them that no pressure from the government would compel them to cease their demonstrations.
"I told the students not to be concerned. No force can displace them from their position. They may attempt to shut down the internet and intimidate, but the students will remain steadfast," he remarked.
Highlighting the importance of students as the nation's future, Gandhi contrasted them with the current administration. "Students represent the future of India, while Narendra Modi embodies the past. The past cannot prevail against the future," he stated.
These comments come amid ongoing protests in the capital led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is advocating for significant reforms in the examination system and Pradhan's resignation due to the NEET paper leak, among other concerns.
The political controversy has escalated alongside a police crackdown following a protest march near Parliament on July 20.