'Criminal education minister': Rahul Gandhi steps up attack on Dharmendra Pradhan

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday, labeling him a "criminal education minister" and demanding his dismissal. Gandhi presented a student protester, Sahil, who alleged he sustained an eye injury from a pellet gun during a July 20 demonstration in the capital.

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Dharmendra Pradhan is a criminal education minister. He has to be removed. He is a symbol of the collapse of our education system. He has to go.

Gandhi called for action against security personnel accused of using pellet guns and batons against protesters. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologize to students. "Dharmendra Pradhan is a criminal education minister. He has to be removed. He is a symbol of the collapse of our education system. He has to go," Gandhi stated at a press conference outside Sonia Gandhi's residence.

Showing Sahil's injuries, Gandhi countered the government's claim that pellet guns were not used. "The government has claimed that no pellet guns were used, but look at this. This person has suffered an eye injury and has lost vision in one eye," he said. Gandhi highlighted that thousands of youths allegedly faced pellet gun fire and lathi charges during a peaceful protest.

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The government has claimed that no pellet guns were used, but look at this. This person has suffered an eye injury and has lost vision in one eye.

Gandhi linked the protests to repeated examination paper leaks, stating that students who worked hard for years were told the papers had been leaked. He alleged that those with money could buy leaked question papers, while others suffered. In a social media post, Gandhi added that Sahil, who works part-time to support his family, was protesting after a police force recruitment exam paper was leaked.

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They worked hard for years to prepare for examinations, only to be told that the paper had been leaked. Those who had ₹ 60–70 lakh could buy the question paper, while the rest were left to suffer.