Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Jul 25: "After 12 years, the first wicket of the BJP government has fallen with the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This government has become anti-people, anti-students and anti-farmers. The NEET paper leak affected nearly 21 lac students, causing immense mental stress. Congress protested inside and outside Parliament for 21 days, while students across the country also staged demonstrations despite facing police action. This is the beginning of the BJP's downfall. Suspending ministers and officials is not enough; those responsible must be removed from office," alleged MLC Ivan D'Souza while addressing a press conference at the Congress office in Brahmagiri on Saturday.

Vinay Kumar Sorake, KPCC Campaign Committee president, said, "During the BJP government's tenure, nearly 90,000 schools have been closed, affecting around 2.5 crore students. A government that does not understand the value of education cannot protect students' interests. Today we are witnessing repeated irregularities in examinations. Nearly 23 lac students appeared for the first examination, while only around 19 lacs appeared for the second. The resignation of the union education minister is the first wicket to fall, and it reflects the injustice faced by students."

Former minister Jayaprakash Hegde said, "This is only the beginning, and more ministers may have to resign in the coming days if such issues continue. The students' protest has shown its strength and compelled the education minister to resign. However, we are also concerned about the appointment of officials against whom several allegations have been made. Such appointments raise serious questions about the government's intentions."

Following the press conference, Congress leaders celebrated the resignation of the union education minister at the Congress office in Brahmagiri. Himmatsingh Patel, AICC observer for Udupi district under the "Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan"; District Congress president Ashok Kumar; Block Congress president Ramesh Kanchan; party leader Prasadraj Kanchan; and several others were present in the programme.