Kharge Calls Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation a Victory for Students, Youth and United Opposition

New Delhi, July 2026 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday described the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a major victory for students, the country’s youth and the united Opposition, saying the sustained protests over examination irregularities had compelled the government to respond to public sentiment.

Reacting to Pradhan’s resignation, Kharge said the decision reflected the power of democratic protest and the determination of millions of young people who had taken to the streets demanding accountability and reforms in the education system.

In a post on social media platform X, the Congress chief said the voices of students had finally reached the corridors of power. He termed the development a victory for the youth who had campaigned across the country to ensure fairness in competitive examinations and restore confidence in the education system.

Kharge also paid tribute to the families of students who allegedly lost their lives following the controversy surrounding examination irregularities. He said the resignation represented justice for those families and described it as “the victory of truth” over what he called the government’s stubborn approach to the issue.

The veteran Congress leader further credited the united Opposition for keeping the issue alive both inside Parliament and on the streets. According to Kharge, Opposition parties consistently raised concerns over paper leaks and examination-related irregularities while demanding accountability from the Union government.

He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to go a step further by apologising to the country’s youth and initiating strict action against those responsible for the police action on protesting students. Kharge also called for action against officials involved in the alleged use of force during demonstrations, including incidents involving baton charges and pellet firing.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister earlier on Saturday amid mounting protests over paper leaks and alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. In his resignation letter, Pradhan reaffirmed his commitment to education and the welfare of students, while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve in the government.

The former minister said he was deeply distressed by the developments of the past several days and wanted to ensure that the controversy was not exploited by forces seeking to undermine national unity. He maintained that the government’s priority had always been to protect students’ futures and uphold the integrity of the examination system.

Pradhan’s resignation comes against the backdrop of nationwide demonstrations demanding stronger measures to prevent paper leaks, ensure accountability in public examinations and restore confidence among millions of students preparing for competitive tests. The development has intensified the political debate over education reforms and the government’s handling of examination-related issues.