New Delhi, July 25: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday extended his support to students protesting over alleged irregularities in the examination system, asserting that the youth represent India’s future and calling for the immediate removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Addressing reporters after meeting a delegation of student protesters at his residence, Gandhi said the demand for Pradhan’s dismissal remains central to the movement and cannot be compromised. Among those who met him was a young woman who had sustained a leg injury during the protests.
The Leader of the Opposition claimed he had received information that discussions were underway within the Union government about shifting Pradhan to another ministry. However, Gandhi argued that such a move would not address the concerns raised by students.
“The protesters have made it clear that they want the education minister removed, and that demand cannot be diluted,” Gandhi said, adding that the students believe accountability is essential following the controversy surrounding examination management.
He further alleged that the minister had failed in his responsibilities and accused him of being unfit to continue in office. According to Gandhi, replacing the minister with another portfolio would not resolve the larger issues facing the country’s education system.
Reiterating his support for the protesters, Gandhi said he had assured the students that they should continue their peaceful agitation without fear. Referring to the ongoing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, he maintained that pressure from the authorities would not weaken their resolve.
“The students are standing up for their future, and their voices deserve to be heard,” he said. Gandhi also remarked that attempts to discourage the movement through restrictions or intimidation would not succeed in ending the protests.
The Congress leader described India’s youth as the driving force of the country’s future, contrasting them with what he called an outdated approach to governance. He urged the government to respond constructively to the students’ concerns instead of attempting to suppress the demonstrations.
The remarks come as protests in the national capital continue to intensify, with demonstrators demanding comprehensive reforms to the country’s examination system following the NEET paper leak controversy. Protesters have also sought greater transparency in recruitment and entrance examinations, along with action against those responsible for alleged irregularities.
The agitation has emerged as a significant political issue, with opposition parties backing the students’ demands while the government has defended the measures taken to investigate examination related lapses. As the protests continue, the debate over accountability and reforms in the education sector remains at the centre of the national political discourse.