New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged assault on students during a protest, while urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to students and initiate reforms in the country’s examination and education system.
In a two-minute video shared on social media platform X, Rahul addressed students directly, accusing the Centre of avoiding a parliamentary discussion on issues affecting them.
Rahul alleges government blocked debate
Rahul said Opposition leaders had met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking a discussion on students’ concerns in Parliament.
According to him, the Speaker stated that the government’s approval was required before such a debate could take place. Rahul alleged that it later became evident the Centre had no intention of allowing the discussion.
He said the Opposition then decided to stage a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence to draw national attention to the students’ issues.
Raises concerns over education system
Questioning the state of India’s education system, Rahul highlighted recurring examination paper leaks, rising education costs and the financial burden on parents.
He described these as legitimate concerns and said students had every right to seek answers.
Rahul also demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging students were assaulted and humiliated during the protest. He called for action against those responsible and sought the withdrawal of all cases registered against the protesting students.
Calls for PM’s apology and reforms
The Congress leader reiterated that Parliament should debate the concerns raised by students in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha instead of avoiding the issue.
Appealing directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul urged him to apologise to students over the previous day’s events and begin comprehensive reforms in the examination and education system.
Thanking students and supporters who participated in the protest, Rahul said the Congress would continue its campaign until students received justice and meaningful reforms were introduced.