Surendra Soren
Ranchi
Students of the capital city gathered at Albert Ekka Chowk on Saturday to celebrate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protesters distributed sweets, raised slogans in support of student unity and sang the national anthem, describing the development as a victory for students’ collective struggle.
The demonstrators also created a symbolic representation of the Jantar Mantar protest site and observed a two-minute silence in memory of students who allegedly lost their lives in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy.
Former NSUI student leader Shahbaz said the reported resignation reflected the strength of students’ democratic movement. He, however, demanded accountability for the alleged police action against protesting students and also called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The protesters further demanded justice for families affected by the NEET paper leak issue, seeking compensation of ₹1 crore and a government job for the family of each deceased student.
They said the government must respect students’ voices in a democracy and ensure that their concerns are addressed through peaceful dialogue.
Meanwhile, Ranchi District Rural Congress Committee and Ranchi Mahanagar Congress Committee on Saturday organised a satyagraha near the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Morabadi following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
During the protest, Congress leaders and workers lit candles in memory of students allegedly affected by irregularities in the education system. They also observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect.
Following the satyagraha, the party organised a ‘Vijay March’ in support of students. The march began from Shibu Soren Awas Chowk and culminated at Bapu Vatika, with a large number of Congress leaders, party workers, students and youth participating.
Addressing the gathering, Ranchi District Rural Congress president Somnath Munda described the march as a tribute to the struggle of students and young people seeking a fair and transparent education system.
He said Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi had consistently raised the concerns of students and demanded greater transparency in the education sector. Munda termed the resignation of the Union Education Minister a victory for students and public pressure, and asserted that the Congress would continue its campaign on issues affecting the youth.
The programme was organised as part of the party’s ongoing protest over alleged irregularities in the education system and to express solidarity with students.
