PANAJI: The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan triggered a wave of reactions from Opposition leaders, political parties and student protest leaders on Saturday, with many describing it as a victory for students and democracy following days of nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi termed the resignation "a huge step" towards rebuilding India's education system and congratulated students across the country for sustaining their movement.
"Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is a huge step in rebuilding our education system. It is a symbolic step because he was a symbol, but it is still a big step. I want to congratulate every single student and every youngster who came out on the streets and fought for democracy, fought for the future of this country and defended the Constitution. I'm proud of you," Gandhi said.
He said the resignation should encourage other sections of society to stand up against injustice.
"It is also a signal to farmers, labourers, poor people and anybody this regime is attacking and oppressing. There is wisdom and courage in standing up," he said.
However, Gandhi maintained that two key demands of the protesters remained unresolved. He called for strict action against those responsible for the alleged violence against students and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students.
"Anybody who has raised a finger on our students, beaten them or attacked them has to be held accountable. The Prime Minister, out of respect for the students of India and the future of India, must apologise to the students who were brutalised," he said.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal also congratulated students, calling the resignation "a great victory of democracy."
"Congratulations to the youth of our country. Your struggle has succeeded. Dharmendra Pradhan ultimately had to resign. This is a great victory of democracy. The government's ego had to bow before the people," Kejriwal said.
He added that the Centre should now focus on reforming the NEET examination process.
"I hope the government fixes the NEET system so that there are no more paper leaks and no child has to lose hope because of such failures," he said.
In Goa, the Congress reacted with a brief political swipe, stating: "One Pradhan resigned. Next Pradhan to GO soon..."
Goa's Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said the resignation reflected the determination of students who protested against alleged injustice and irregularities in the education system.
"The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is the victory of the youth of the country, who protested against the injustice meted out to them, faulty education policies and the corrupt management of entrance exams. The corrupt system should be eradicated, and this is the first step towards it. Kudos to our youth," Alemao said.
Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai said the resignation acknowledged that responsibility could not be ignored but stressed that it should not mark the end of the issue.
"The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is an acknowledgement that responsibility cannot be ignored. But 21 young lives have been lost. Their families deserve answers, students deserve justice, and the nation deserves complete accountability. This must mark the beginning of meaningful reform, not the end of the conversation," Sardesai said.
He also demanded action against those responsible for the alleged police excesses during student protests in Delhi. He expressed concern over reports of FIRs being registered against students in different parts of the country.
Outside the political spectrum, environmentalist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk also welcomed the development, describing the resignation as a significant victory for democratic protest and public accountability.
"It's a victory of democracy, direct democracy straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience and perseverance. Congratulations to Gen Z and all citizens who overcame fear and stood up. From accountability, now to reforms," Wangchuk said.
Meanwhile, celebrations erupted at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke addressed supporters moments after news of the resignation broke.
Borrowing the iconic dialogue from Munna Bhai MBBS, Dipke exclaimed, "Subah ho gayi mamu," drawing loud cheers from the gathering.
"This is democracy. He has resigned. Remember, do not mess with cockroaches," Dipke told supporters before dropping to his knees in celebration as protesters hugged one another and danced to the patriotic song Chak De! India.
Calling the resignation "a victory of democracy", Dipke said it proved that sustained peaceful protests could compel governments to act.
"This resignation is proof that if people are not afraid and do not bow down before the government, they can even secure the resignation of a minister," he said.
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dipke remarked, "Democracy has dawned. This is only the beginning. The fight is far from over."
Despite celebrating the resignation, Dipke said the agitation would continue until the remaining demands were fulfilled.
"We have two more demands. Families of students who died by suicide should receive compensation of ₹1 crore each, and strict action must be taken against police personnel responsible for violence against students during the protests," he said.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the movement was aimed at reforming the country's education system and insisted the protests would continue until the government accepted all demands in writing.
"If you accept our demands in writing, we will go home. We have sought permission for a peaceful nationwide candle march," Ranka said.
Another party spokesperson, Saurav Das, said the government had invited the organisation for another round of talks but maintained that protesters would not leave the site without written assurances.
"We're not going anywhere until all our demands are accepted in writing. This is a huge victory," Das said.
Pradhan resigned hours before the Centre and the CJP were scheduled to hold a third round of negotiations. In his resignation letter, he said he had stepped down in the interest of students and to prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the situation, adding that the decision was not a matter of personal prestige.
