NEW DELHI, July 25, 2026 : Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday welcomed the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing it as a significant victory for students and youth who had been protesting over the NEET paper leak controversy. Congratulating students for what he termed a democratic struggle, Gandhi asserted that the “time has come to remove this government” and urged citizens not to be afraid.
In a video message shared on social media following Pradhan’s resignation, Gandhi praised students across the country for standing up in defence of democracy, the Constitution, and their future. He called Pradhan’s resignation a major symbolic step towards rebuilding the country’s education system.
“It is a symbolic step because he was a symbol, but it is still a big step,” Gandhi said, adding that he was proud of every student and young person who took to the streets demanding accountability and transparency in the education system.
Addressing the nation, Gandhi urged people from all sections of society—including farmers, labourers, and the poor—to stand up against what he described as oppression by the government. Repeating the slogan “Daro Mat” (Don’t Be Afraid), he said that courage and constitutional means are the path to protecting democracy and dignity.
“The time has come to remove this government that is attacking India, weakening the Constitution, and capturing institutions,” Gandhi said in his message.
While welcoming Pradhan’s resignation, the Congress leader maintained that two key demands of the protesting students remain unresolved.
First, he demanded strict action against all those allegedly responsible for using force against students during demonstrations over the paper leak issue. Gandhi said every individual involved in planning or executing actions against the protesters should be held accountable.
Second, he called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly apologise to students, stating that the country’s youth deserve respect and justice after the events surrounding the protests.
Gandhi reiterated that Pradhan’s resignation should serve as a message to all citizens that peaceful and constitutional protests can bring about change. He encouraged people from every section of society to continue standing up for their rights through democratic means.
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned earlier on Saturday amid mounting nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak controversy. Soon after his resignation, Prahlad Joshi was assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education by the President on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
