Rahul Gandhi Meets NEET Protesters, Demands Sacking of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday met a group of students who observed a 23-day hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as part of the protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Standing alongside the students, Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of the Central Government and repeated the demand for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Describing Pradhan as a symbol of the “corruption and destruction” of India’s education system, Gandhi said the students would accept nothing less than his dismissal from the government.
‘Shifting Him to Another Ministry Is Not Enough’
Rahul Gandhi said reports suggesting that the government may transfer Dharmendra Pradhan to another ministry would not satisfy the protesters.
“We have come to know that there is talk within the government to move Pradhan to some other ministry. This will not be acceptable. Students are clear that Pradhan will have to go out of the government,” Gandhi said.
Calls for Action, Not Assurances
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi said students were demanding concrete action rather than promises.
“The Prime Minister has been making late-night videos and says he welcomes suggestions. But students are asking for action, not assurances. He should act and remove Dharmendra Pradhan,” Gandhi said.
Demands Accountability for Alleged Assault on Students
Rahul Gandhi also highlighted the injuries suffered by some protesters and called for action against those allegedly responsible for using force during the demonstrations.
He said those involved in firing pellets and using lathis against protesting students should be held accountable.
The Congress leader also urged Prime Minister Modi to apologise to the students who were allegedly assaulted during the protests in Delhi.
‘Students Are India’s Future’
Calling Prime Minister Modi India’s “past” and students its “future”, Rahul Gandhi said:
“The past cannot fight the future.”
He added that he was only voicing the demands made by the students and stressed that these demands were “non-negotiable.”
Students Reiterate Their Demands
Neha Bora of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), who participated in the 23-day hunger strike, said the students had a meaningful discussion with Rahul Gandhi about the state of India’s education system.
She also repeated the protesters’ key demand that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign over the alleged failures linked to the NEET paper leak controversy.
The meeting comes as negotiations between the Centre and protest representatives continue, with the resignation of the Education Minister remaining the main point of disagreement.
