Addressing a press conference after his meeting with the protesting students, Gandhi said he discussed their concerns regarding the condition of India’s education system, the alleged influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on educational institutions, and what he described as the “capture” of the country’s education system.
Gandhi said the students had three non-negotiable demands. He stated that Dharmendra Pradhan must resign and be removed from the Union Cabinet. Referring to reports suggesting that the minister could be assigned another portfolio, Gandhi said such a move would not satisfy the students, who wanted his complete removal from the government.
The Congress leader’s second demand was accountability for the alleged police action against the protesters. Claiming that thousands of students were injured during the lathicharge, Gandhi demanded that those responsible for ordering and carrying out the action be identified and punished.
The third demand raised by Gandhi was that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise to the students over the Centre’s handling of the issue.
Gandhi also said he told the students that no amount of pressure from the Centre could force them to leave the protest site at Jantar Mantar. Describing the students as the future of the country, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents the past and that “the past can never fight the future.”
The Congress leader alleged that the government had failed to address the concerns of students and accused it of weakening the credibility of the education system. He said the protests reflected increasing frustration among young people over examination-related issues and the government’s response.
Gandhi met the protesting students earlier in the day before addressing the media. The demonstrations have focused on demands for accountability over alleged examination irregularities and action against those responsible for the police crackdown on protesters.
The development has intensified the political debate over examination reforms, student grievances, and accountability in the education system, with Rahul Gandhi publicly backing the protesters and pressing the government to respond to their demands.
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