Student agitation forced Pradhan’s resignation, Congress says

Congress Working Committee member and former APCC president Gidugu Rudra Raju at a press conference in Vijayawada on Saturday.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and former Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gidugu Rudra Raju on Saturday said the Union government was forced to back down and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after a determined and peaceful 26-day nationwide agitation by students and parents.

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

APCC Vice President and In-charge of Administration Kolanukonda Shivaji congratulated the students, youth, Congress leaders and party workers for the success of the movement. He said the victory marked an important milestone but the struggle will continue until democratic institutions and constitutional bodies are protected, electoral reforms are implemented and meaningful job opportunities are created for the unemployed youth.

Mr. Shivaji said the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress would continue to fight for these goals.

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

Published – 25 Jul 2026 23:28 IST