‘The Youth Refused to Back Down’: Priyanka Gandhi Hails Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation as Victory for Student Protest

New Delhi: Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday described the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a major victory for students, saying the Centre was ultimately forced to yield to sustained public pressure over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. She alleged that despite attempts to suppress the movement, the government could not ignore the determination of young protesters demanding accountability and reforms.

Priyanka Gandhi made the remarks while interacting with the media during her visit to Wayanad in Kerala. During the visit, she toured the landslide-hit Kalladi area, met families affected by the disaster, and enquired about their condition before addressing political developments surrounding the NEET row.

Commenting on Pradhan's resignation, Priyanka claimed the government had responded to student protests with force instead of dialogue. She alleged that pellet guns were used against demonstrators, tear gas was fired, and students were subjected to baton charges during the agitation. According to her, many protesters suffered serious injuries but remained steadfast in their demand for justice.

She said the resignation showed that the government had eventually been compelled to accept the demands of the country's youth. Calling it a significant moment, Priyanka remarked that what she described as an "undemocratic and repressive government" had finally bowed before the collective voice of students.

Reaffirming the Congress party's position, Priyanka said the party had consistently stood alongside students throughout the protest movement and supported their demand for a fair, transparent, and credible examination system.

She also praised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for repeatedly raising concerns over paper leaks and alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. According to Priyanka, Rahul Gandhi had been highlighting the issue for several years and had worked to keep it in the national spotlight.

She further said Rahul Gandhi not only raised the issue inside and outside Parliament but also inspired Congress workers, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), and the Indian Youth Congress to organise nationwide campaigns in support of students' rights and comprehensive reforms in the country's education and examination framework.

Priyanka maintained that the developments surrounding the NEET controversy demonstrated the power of peaceful public movements and renewed the demand for stronger safeguards to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in India's competitive examination system. Her remarks came as political reactions continued to pour in following Pradhan's resignation, which marked one of the biggest developments in the ongoing fallout from the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.