Rahul Gandhi Intensifies Attack on Centre, Backs Students' Demand for Minister's Resignation

New Delhi, July 22, 2026 The ongoing student protests have intensified the political confrontation over India's education system, with the Opposition accusing the Centre of failing to address students' concerns. On Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly backed the protesters, arguing that their demands are justified while raising broader questions about the state of education in the country. Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi alleged that students are protesting for a genuine cause and accused the government of responding with force instead of addressing their grievances. He also claimed that the country's education system has been "rigged" under the current regime. Calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Rahul Gandhi said, "Students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. It is a legitimate demand. Pradhan is a corrupt and incompetent man. He must be removed." Backing the students' demand, Gandhi described the Education Minister as the "symbol of the entire mess and he must be removed". He further alleged that Dharmendra Pradhan has weakened India's education system, which he called one of the country's greatest strengths. Rahul Gandhi also claimed that education has become increasingly unaffordable for poor and middle-class families. Highlighting the financial burden on aspiring medical students, Rahul Gandhi claimed that NEET aspirants collectively spend around ₹1.32 lakh crore every year on coaching, an amount he said is nearly equal to the Union government's annual education budget of ₹1.4 lakh crore. He cited these figures to underline the challenges faced by students and reiterated his criticism of the government's handling of the education sector.