Students’ agitation forced Pradhan’s resignation, says Congress

Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and former Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gidugu Rudra Raju on Saturday said the Union government had been forced to retreat and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had resigned following the students’ and parents’ determined and peaceful 26-day nationwide agitation.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Rudra Raju said the victory belonged to the students across the country and to the leadership of the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who had consistently supported their cause. He alleged that the protesters had endured police repression and hardships during the agitation.

APCC vice-president and administration in-charge Kolanukonda Shivaji congratulated the students, youth, Congress leaders and party workers on the success of the movement. He said the victory marked an important milestone, but the struggle would continue until democratic institutions and constitutional bodies were protected, electoral reforms were implemented, and meaningful employment opportunities were created for unemployed youth.

Mr. Shivaji said the Congress, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, would continue to fight for these objectives.

Congress leaders V. Gurunadham, Shaik Khurshida, Lakkaraju Ramarao, Naga Madhu Yadav, Naraharashetty Narasimha Rao, Korivi Vinay Kumar, Ambati Ramakrishna, Borra Ravichandra and Bhaig, among others, were present.