Pradhan’s resignation is only the beginning, vow Wangchuk and Dipke
New Delhi: In India, the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday triggered sharp reactions, with student leaders hailing it as the first major victory of their 36-day agitation and stressing that the movement was “only the beginning”.
According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing thousands of supporters at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, student leader and Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said the resignation proved that sustained, peaceful public pressure could force accountability. “This resignation is proof that if you don’t get scared and don’t bend before the government, you can secure accountability,” he said.
Describing Pradhan’s exit as “only the first wicket”, Dipke insisted that the movement would continue until broader examination reforms were implemented. “The youth have shown they can force anyone’s resignation if they want. This is just the beginning,” he said, demanding action against police personnel accused of assaulting protesters, withdrawal of criminal cases against students and comprehensive reforms to India’s examination system.
Dipke also urged a shift in Indian political discourse. “If politics shifts from Hindu-Muslim debates to employment and education, even the strongest thrones will shake,” he said.
Climate activist from Ladakh Sonam Wangchuk termed the resignation “a victory of democracy, direct democracy from the streets.” “It is a victory of peace, patience and perseverance,” Wangchuk said, congratulating students and citizens “for shedding fear and rising up from every corner of the country.”
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi welcomed the minister’s resignation but said key issues remained unresolved. He demanded action against those responsible for police excesses during the protests and asked Prime Minister Modi to apologise to students affected by the NEET examination controversy.
The agitation, which began at Jantar Mantar on June 20, gained momentum following Wangchuk’s indefinite fast and clashes between protesters and police during a march towards Parliament on July 20.
