Gandhi described Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a “symbol of corruption” and expressed relief at his resignation, which occurred amid rising pressures from the NEET paper leak protests. He characterized the ongoing student unrest as a clash between “the past,” represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS, and India’s future.
He expressed confidence that “the future of India will overcome the past,” and encouraged other groups to show bravery and advocate for change, asserting that it was time to oust the current government.
Gandhi also appealed to the prime minister to extend an apology to the students, respecting the nation’s future and acknowledging the “atrocities” they faced during the protests.
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In a video message shared on X following Pradhan’s resignation, the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha stated, “Daro mat (don’t be afraid). Let’s dismantle this regime that is targeting India, undermining our Constitution, and seizing our institutions.” He affirmed that Pradhan’s resignation marks a significant stride towards rebuilding the education system. “It’s a symbolic gesture, as he represented a larger issue; nevertheless, it’s a crucial step,” he noted.
Speaking to the media outside Sonia Gandhi’s residence at 10 Janpath shortly after Pradhan’s resignation, Gandhi held Home Minister Amit Shah responsible for the violence inflicted upon students and for endorsing the use of dangerous tools like pellet guns against them. He emphasized that the Congress will not stand for security forces attacking students and that this will be a key topic in Parliament.
Accusing the RSS of hollowing out India’s education system, he asserted that the organization “must be removed.” When asked about the Congress’s stance on the government’s bill proposing severe penalties for paper leaks, Gandhi stated that the decision would be made in collaboration with the opposition.
“The Congress party operates under a unified principle. We will discuss this in an opposition meeting, and decisions will stem from a collective agreement. That’s how we function in Parliament,” he remarked.
Welcoming Pradhan’s resignation as a significant milestone in reforming the education system, Gandhi congratulated the youth and students who protested to protect democracy, the Constitution, and their future.
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“We stand to defend the students of India and safeguard the future of the country. This is a battle between the past, represented by Narendra Modi and the RSS, and the future of India. We firmly believe that the future will prevail,” Gandhi stated.
“Primarily, this is a victory for our students, who are indeed the future of India,” he praised the students for their resilience against the government. “Pradhan exemplified corruption and the degradation of our education system; his departure is welcomed.”
“However, the government must now implement concrete reforms to the education system. The RSS’s influence in Indian education must end. They have infiltrated our educational structure, rendering it ineffective,” he claimed.
“Significant reforms are essential, yet I doubt their willingness to implement changes. But we’ll see,” Gandhi concluded, urging the government to take action on education.
Pointing fingers at the Union home minister, Gandhi asserted, “We hold Mr. Amit Shah directly accountable for the violence against our students. He sanctioned the shooting of students; he endorsed the use of lethal pellet guns.”
Emphasizing that this is a fundamental concern, he remarked, “We can’t accept our own forces attacking the future of this nation. This will be a prominent issue in Parliament.” In a post on X, he declared that students have achieved a noteworthy victory, reminiscing about their brave stand despite facing risks including severe injuries.
“These responsibilities fall squarely on Home Minister Amit Shah… Mr. Amit Shah, you must answer for this,” he stated.
Gandhi maintained that the message is unmistakable: “From those who orchestrated this attack to the enactment of laws, everyone must be held accountable, and visible actions must be taken so that justice can be recognized by the students.”
The Congress leader asserted that India’s education system, once esteemed globally, is now under “attack, captured, and privatized.” “This reaction stems from a crisis of unemployment and dissatisfaction within the country,” he elaborated.
The underlying cause of the protests lies in the “destruction of job creation, education, and institutional systems,” according to Gandhi.
He highlighted the critical economic crisis the country faces, cautioning that the events unfolding represent just a step in a larger dilemma.
“This serves as a warning from the students and the opposition to the government: you can’t manage India as if it’s your personal estate. This belongs to the people of India,” Gandhi asserted.
“If you continue along this path, what has occurred now will be a mere fraction of what’s to come. That is the clear message,” Gandhi emphasized.
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He conveyed that Pradhan’s resignation symbolizes a call to oppressed groups, including farmers, laborers, and the disenfranchised, urging them to muster courage and advocate for a government change.
“True courage is manifested by steadfastly upholding one’s dignity within the Constitution… The moment has come to remove this government. ’Daro mat’,” Gandhi tweeted.
He noted that two critical demands still remain: accountability for everyone who perpetrated “atrocities” against protesting students and an apology from PM Modi to them.
Previously, after discussions with student representatives about the protests, Gandhi emphasized that the conversation notably focused on the RSS’s takeover of the education system.
Citing a young woman affected by police action during protests, he stated, “Those responsible for this must face consequences.” “The leader of this entire machinery is accountable. Modi must apologize for his actions against the students and the future of this nation,” he concluded.
