Victory of Democracy: Sonam Wangchuk credits Gen Z power after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns

Sonam Wangchuk welcomed Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, calling it "a victory of democracy" achieved through peaceful protests, while urging the government and protesters to now focus on systemic reforms in the education sector.

In Short

• Sonam Wangchuk calls Pradhan's resignation a victory of democracy
• Focus shifts from accountability to education reforms, says Wangchuk
• Pradhan resigns to protect students and prevent anti-national exploitation

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk hailed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, calling it "a victory of democracy" and urging the country to move "from accountability to reforms".

Pradhan announced his resignation on Saturday, saying the decision was aimed at protecting the future of students and preventing "anti-national forces" from exploiting the massive youth protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

The move came hours before the third round of talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had maintained that Pradhan's resignation was "non-negotiable".

The announcement sparked celebrations at Jantar Mantar, where Wangchuk had been observing an indefinite fast alongside protesters.

In his first reaction, Wangchuk described the development as "a victory of direct democracy... straight from the streets" and praised the peaceful nature of the movement.

He congratulated the CJP and "Gen Z of the nation" for their patience and perseverance, while thanking citizens across the country for "shedding fear and the fear of fear" to demand accountability.

"It’s a victory of peace, patience & perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation," Wangchuk wrote on X.

He concluded his post by saying, "From accountability, now to reforms," signalling that the focus must now shift towards bringing structural changes to the education system.

PRADHAN RESIGNED TAKING 'MORAL RESPONSIBILITY'

Sources told India Today that Pradhan resigned by taking moral responsibility and was not sacked, indicating that the government wanted to provide him with a dignified exit.

The Odisha-born BJP leader had served as Union Education Minister since 2021 and was reappointed after the BJP returned to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The resignation marks one of the few occasions a senior minister in the Modi government has stepped down amid prolonged public protests over alleged irregularities in a national examination.

Celebrations erupted at Delhi's Jantar Mantar shortly after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation, with protesters raising slogans and cheering what they described as the movement's biggest victory yet.

DIPKE CALLS IT A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke called the development as "a victory of democracy", saying the students' sustained agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak had compelled the government to act.

Addressing supporters from the main stage, Dipke said the outcome underscored the power of peaceful democratic protests and proved that ordinary citizens could hold those in power accountable.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he remarked, "Subah ho gayi mamu," as the crowd erupted in applause.

Dipke called on protesters to stay united, asserting that the minister's resignation marked only one milestone and that the movement would continue until the government's response met the remaining two demands.

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