Sonam Wangchuk hails Dharmendra Pradhan’s exit as ‘victory for democracy’, says focus now shifts to reforms | Today’s news
Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation: “Straight from the streets”, climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk responded in the moments after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister on Saturday (July 25), describing the outcome on social media platform X as a triumph for ordinary citizens rather than any political negotiation.
Sonam Wangchuk attributed the result to the steadfast discipline demonstrated by protesters in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and across India in the previous weeks.
“IT’S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. direct democracy… straight from the streets. It’s a victory of peace, patience and perseverance,” Wangchuk wrote.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid widespread protests related to the NEET paper leak, with demands for accountability and compensation for the affected families.
Wangchuk saw the resignation as a triumph for ordinary citizens, highlighting the power of peaceful protest and the persistence of the demonstrators.
The CJP organized a 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding Pradhan’s resignation and accountability, which was backed by police action against protesters and other agitational activities.
The CJP continues to demand compensation for the families of students affected by the NEET paper leak and accountability for officials involved in the scandal, along with action against police misconduct.
Yes, many activists believe it is crucial to keep up the pressure on remaining demands related to compensation and systemic reforms, stressing the importance of sustained advocacy in a democratic society.
“Congratulations to CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thanks to all citizens for letting go of fear and fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORM,” Sonam Wangchuk wrote on X.
CJP declares ‘first victory’ as Dharmendra Pradhan resigns
Loud cheers broke out at the Cockroach Janata Party protest site at Jantar Mantar as founder Abhijeet Dipke announced Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister to the gathered crowd, calling it the movement’s first breakthrough after more than a month of agitation.
Thirty-six days of protests culminate in Pradhan’s departure
The CJP began its demonstration at Jantar Mantar on 20 June, demanding Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak, compensation of one million rupees to the families of students who allegedly committed suicide in connection with the controversy, and criminal proceedings against those responsible for the leak.
Read also | Dharmendra Pradhan resignation LIVE: Rijiju thanks Pradhan for his ‘service’
The agitation gathered momentum following a police crackdown on protesters on 20 July, which widened the group’s demands for disciplinary action against police personnel accused of using force against protesters. Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk later joined the proceedings and began a 26-day hunger strike before being forcibly taken to hospital, while several student activists also observed extended fasts in solidarity with the cause.
Dipke tells Crowd: ‘If you’re not afraid, you can win’
Abhijeet Dipke, addressing a rally after news of the resignations emerged, called the result a vindication of sustained, fearless protest. “Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned and this is a proof that if you are not afraid you can win,” he said.
Read also | Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over NEET row: How political leaders react
He further urged the protesters to keep talking. “In a democracy, you should not be afraid to speak. Only if you raise your voice, they will stay in line because they are in power because of us,” the CJP founder told the crowd.
Movement to persist until remaining requirements are met
Despite the celebratory mood, Dipke was emphatic that the agitation is far from over. “We have two more demands. We’re not going to go like this. We’re cockroaches. Once it’s in, it’s not going out. There’s only been one resignation so far. Don’t mess with that cockroach,” he said.
Read also | Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union Education Minister
Abhijeet Dipke reiterated that two demands remained unfulfilled: compensation for bereaved families and accountability for those involved in the alleged paper leak, along with action against police accused of using excessive force. “The families of the students who committed suicide should be given compensation. Action should be taken against the police personnel who committed the atrocities,” Dipke said.
Celebrations at Jantar Mantar, but wary of what comes next
Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation sparked scenes of jubilation among students and CJP members gathered at Jantar Mantar, who hailed it as the first major success of their 36-day campaign, even as they vowed to remain in place until their extraordinary demands were resolved.
The party later posted a short but to the point message on X: “We won.
