Rahul Gandhi attacks Dharmendra Pradhan, calls him unfit for Education Minister post
- Rahul Gandhi said Dharmendra Pradhan is 'incapable' of being education minister.
- He demanded the PM apologise to students and the minister resign.
- Gandhi cited 152 paper leaks in 10 years with zero convictions.
- No mention was made of the Chief Justice of India in the speech.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling him “incapable” of holding the portfolio and demanding his immediate resignation. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi accused the minister of presiding over a systemic failure in the country’s examination system.
‘Zero convictions in 152 paper leaks’
Gandhi cited data to back his charge. “There have been 152 paper leaks in the last 10 years. Zero convictions. Zero accountability,” he said. The Congress leader argued that the repeated breaches in examination integrity showed a complete lack of administrative will.
He directly addressed Pradhan, saying, “You are incapable of being the education minister of this country. You should be shown the door.” Gandhi also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students who have suffered due to cancelled exams and delayed results.
No mention of Chief Justice of India
Notably, Gandhi’s speech did not include any reference to the Chief Justice of India (CJP), a departure from his recent statements where he had criticised the judiciary’s handling of certain cases. Political observers noted the omission, suggesting it may indicate a shift in the Congress party’s current attack strategy.
The press conference came a day after multiple student organisations held protests in Delhi and other cities, demanding the minister’s resignation. Bihar Congress leaders also held a candlelight march in Patna, amplifying the same demand.
Government’s response awaited
The Education Ministry has not yet issued a formal response to Gandhi’s remarks. However, BJP leaders are expected to counter the Congress attack, possibly pointing to reforms introduced in the National Education Policy 2020.
Gandhi’s broadside comes at a time when the opposition is trying to corner the government on governance issues ahead of the next election cycle. The paper leak issue has become a rallying point for student groups and opposition parties alike.
What happens next: The Congress is likely to continue its pressure campaign, with more protests planned in the coming days. The government may be forced to address the paper leak crisis more concretely, possibly through a parliamentary statement or an assurance of a fresh investigation.