Education Protest – Rahul Gandhi Backs Students, Raises Three Key Demands to Centre

Education Protest – Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday met students observing a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar amid the ongoing protests over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks, saying their movement would continue despite warnings, detentions, or administrative pressure.

Rahul Gandhi Meets Hunger Strike Participants

Speaking to reporters after interacting with the protesting students, Rahul Gandhi said the agitation had reached a crucial stage and that the students had presented three demands they considered non-negotiable. According to him, the first demand is the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Cabinet, the second seeks action against those responsible for the police crackdown on demonstrators, and the third calls for an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the handling of issues affecting students.

Gandhi said the students believe these demands are central to restoring confidence in the country’s education system following concerns over examination management and alleged paper leaks.

Demand for Education Minister’s Removal

Expanding on the first demand, the Congress leader alleged that the Education Minister should not simply be shifted to another portfolio but removed from the Cabinet altogether. He claimed that students view the minister as accountable for the problems that have affected competitive examinations and the uncertainty faced by aspiring candidates.

Rahul Gandhi also stated that discussions about assigning Dharmendra Pradhan to another ministry would not satisfy the concerns raised by protesting students. He argued that those responsible for the current situation should be held accountable instead of being reassigned to different roles.

Criticism of Police Action During Demonstrations

The Leader of Opposition also criticised the police response to recent demonstrations, alleging that many students suffered injuries during protest-related incidents. He said those involved in planning and carrying out the alleged use of force should face accountability through appropriate action.

According to Gandhi, the concerns raised by students extend beyond examination issues and include the manner in which protests have been handled. He maintained that any allegations of excessive force should be addressed through a transparent process.

Call for Prime Minister’s Apology

Referring to the third demand put forward by the protesters, Rahul Gandhi said the students want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise for what they believe has been the government’s handling of issues linked to examination irregularities and the future of young aspirants.

He described the demand as part of the broader effort by students to seek accountability from the country’s leadership over repeated concerns surrounding recruitment and entrance examinations.

Response to University Advisories

Rahul Gandhi also commented on notices issued by several Delhi-based universities, including Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, which advised students against participating in the ongoing demonstrations.

He alleged that such advisories were discouraging students from continuing their protests. During his interaction with the hunger strike participants, Gandhi said he encouraged them not to be intimidated by warnings or possible administrative measures and assured them that peaceful democratic protests should continue without fear.

Protest Movement to Continue

Concluding his remarks, Rahul Gandhi said the students remained determined to continue their campaign despite any attempts to stop them. He asserted that detentions, warnings, or other forms of pressure would not weaken the movement and described the protesting students as representatives of India’s future.

The demonstrations over alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities have continued to draw attention from political leaders and educational institutions, with demands for greater transparency, accountability, and reforms in the examination process remaining at the centre of the ongoing protests.