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Published : 26 Jul 2026, 11:14 AM
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has congratulated India's protesting students after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as education minister.
He called it a "huge step" towards reshaping the country's education system.
Pradhan resigned on Friday amid mounting protests over alleged paper leaks.
In a video message, Rahul said: "Well done to students across the country; we are proud of all of you.
"Heartiest congratulations to every young person, every student who took to the streets and stood firm to protect democracy, the constitution, and their future.”
Rahul said the outcome should encourage other groups, including poor people and farmers, whom he claimed were being targeted by the government.
"There is wisdom in standing up. Let's get rid of this regime."
Despite welcoming the resignation, he said students' demands remained unmet in two areas.
He called for action against officials responsible for using force against demonstrators.
"Anyone who has raised a finger at our students, attacked them, shot at them has to be held accountable."
Referring to the police crackdown during a march to parliament on Jul 20, he said those who planned and carried out the operation should face punishment.
He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to students injured during the protests.
The apology should come "out of respect" for India's students, he added.
NDTV reported that Rahul has spearheaded the opposition campaign against the government over the examination leak controversy in parliament.
Opposition parties disrupted both houses throughout the week over the student crackdown.
On Jul 21, a day after police moved against protesters, Rahul led Congress lawmakers in a sit-in outside the prime minister's residence, demanding accountability for the assault on students and Pradhan's resignation, according to the Indian outlet.
The Indian government has announced several measures to address the examination leak crisis, it added.
Modi has pledged to establish fast-track courts to deal with paper leak cases.
The government is also planning amendments to strengthen laws on examination leaks with tougher penalties and higher fines, as per NDTV.
