Student groups call Pradhan's resignation a victory, vow to continue protests for remaining demands
Student organisations and civil society groups have welcomed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, describing it as a significant milestone in the ongoing student-youth movement. However, they have asserted that the agitation will continue until all their demands are met.
In a statement on Saturday, the Hyderabad-based Disha Students' Organisation said, 'The resignation is a victory for the student-youth movement. But, the movement must continue till all our demands are addressed.' The organisation, among others, has listed several outstanding demands, including the withdrawal of First Information Reports (FIRs) against students and activists, action against police personnel accused of using excessive force during the July 20 crackdown at Jantar Mantar, and compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak.
Vijay Mallangi, spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), described the resignation as a step in the right direction, though he said it should have come earlier. He added that the movement would persist until two key demands are fulfilled: compensation of ₹1 crore each for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide after the NEET paper leak, and immediate disciplinary action against police personnel accused of using excessive force on July 20.
The Disha Students' Organisation also criticised the former minister for labelling the protests as being driven by 'anti-national elements', arguing that such remarks diverted attention from legitimate concerns over examination paper leaks and systemic flaws in the education system.
Bandru Vimala, Honorary President of the Arunodaya Cultural Federation (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh), attributed the resignation to the sustained struggle of students and youth at Jantar Mantar and across the country. She alleged that police used excessive force during the demonstrations, noting that some personnel involved were not wearing nameplates or were in plain clothes. 'This is not an ordinary matter,' she said, adding that the protests have evolved into a broader civic movement with support from various sections of society, including activist Sonam Wangchuk. She emphasised that the agitation would continue until accountability is fixed and the remaining demands are fulfilled.
