The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Saturday welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing it as a historic victory for lakhs of students and youth who had been fighting relentlessly against paper leaks, examination irregularities and the anti-student policies of the BJP-led Central Government.
Earlier in the day, AAP organised statewide ‘Thali Bajao, Tanashah Bhagao’ protest demonstrations across Punjab against the Centre’s anti-student policies. AAP ministers, MPs, MLAs, office-bearers and thousands of party workers took to the streets in every district, expressing solidarity with students and demanding accountability from the Central Government over repeated examination paper leaks and the collapse of the country’s recruitment and education system.
On Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, senior AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is a powerful indictment of youth power. PM Modi must accept it ASAP. Finally, @BJP4India has bowed to the will of the youngsters. Hope this leads to real reforms — revamping the education system, fixing exam leaks, and sweeping changes for students. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Meanwhile, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang described the resignation as a landmark victory for crores of students, youth and every citizen who believes in democracy and the right to raise their voice against injustice.The AAP MP congratulated the students and youth who led the movement despite facing police action and intimidation.
“The BJP government had tried every possible means to suppress the democratic movement, but the courage and unity of students ultimately forced the Centre to retreat. The protesting students were lathi-charged, many were hospitalized, and even attempts were made to disrupt food arrangements for demonstrators.
Despite these hardships, students remained united and continued their peaceful struggle until the government was compelled to act,” he said.He asserted that the resignation alone would not be sufficient and demanded a complete overhaul of the country’s examination and recruitment system to ensure transparency, accountability and an end to paper leaks that have shattered the careers and aspirations of lakhs of young people.
Malvinder Singh Kang also cautioned the BJP-led Central Government against adopting an authoritarian approach. “If the Centre continues to ignore the voices of students, farmers, employees and other sections of society, people will once again come out on the streets to defend democracy and protect their constitutional rights,” he said.
Reiterating its commitment to students and youth, AAP said it would continue raising their concerns from the streets to Parliament until the country’s education system is made transparent, fair and accountable.