Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi React After Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation Amid Student Protests

The development demonstrated the strength of students’ voices, and both leaders renewed their call for transparency and accountability in the education system.

Rahul Gandhi says it is due to the voice of students 
Rahul Gandhi welcomed the resignation in a post on X, saying it was a result of students across the country coming together to ask questions. Young people raised legitimate concerns about paper leaks, irregularities and a lack of trust in our examination system for weeks,” he wrote. “They were not heard before, but their unity made a difference.”

“The government’s number one priority now must be to restore credibility to competitive exams,” Rahul said. “Students deserve a system that rewards hard work fairly, and that doesn’t leave them fearful of leaks or manipulation,” he added.

Priyanka Gandhi asks for more accountability 
Priyanka Gandhi said the resignation was a good first step but insisted it was not enough on its own. “Students have been subjected to months of stress and uncertainty due to this controversy,” she said in a statement. They deserve a fair, transparent and timely process for their review.

She urged the government to introduce more reforms, strengthen the institutions conducting national exams, and take strict action against those involved in malpractice. Accountability can't be a one-resignation game. “We need systemic change,” she said.

Political reactions continue around the country
The resignation of Pradhan drew reactions across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders said it was a direct result of pressure from the public, while student groups said it was proof that collective protest can produce action.

In the meantime, BJP leaders said the party respects the decision, and the government continues to be committed to reforms in education. The issue is expected to be brought up in Parliament when it resumes, and both sides are expected to debate the future of the Education Ministry and exam policies.

Education reform in focus 
Now the ministry has new leadership, and the question is what happens now? Students and education experts have called for stronger safeguards in the paper setting, printing and transport, better use of technology to track leaks and quicker legal action in malpractice cases.

Many also said that the government needs to focus on restoring the trust of students who had appeared for NEET-UG and other national exams this year.

For now, Congress leaders said they will continue to demand a time-bound reform roadmap. “It is about the future of lakhs of students,” Rahul Gandhi said. “That’s not negotiable.”