Ranchi: Members of the governing alliance parties in Jharkhand on Saturday hailed Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation following weeks of youth-led protests over alleged examination paper leaks and irregularities, calling it a victory for students and democratic mobilisation.Congress MLA and minister Deepika Pandey Singh said the resignation should serve as an “eye-opener” for the Narendra Modi govt. She accused the Centre of underestimating the strength of the youth and credited leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders with giving the agitation fresh direction and momentum.“This is only a small victory in the larger struggle against an authoritarian govt and for the restoration of democratic values,” she said.
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JMM’s Torpa MLA Sudeep Guria posted “Satyamev Jayate” on X, saying the govt had finally bowed before the united strength of the country’s youth.RJD spokesperson Manoj Kumar termed the resignation the outcome of the struggle, patience and democratic voice of crores of students and young people. “Whenever the youth rise, they change the destiny and direction of the nation,” he said.Kumar added that if PM Modi was serious about protecting students’ interests, provisions prescribing fines of up to Rs 10 crore and imprisonment of up to 10 years for examination-related offences should be implemented in letter and spirit.Minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth wrote on social media, “Every public office is temporary, but the work done in that office is remembered for a long time. Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure as Union education minister also falls into that category. Working in the field of education is never easy. Balancing the expectations of millions of students, evolving global challenges and the demands of the future is a major responsibility for any education minister. As he demits office today, it is our duty to acknowledge and appreciate his contribution to the education sector.”
