Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Saturday termed the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan a ‘significant victory for India’s youth’, while asserting that it marks only the ‘first step’ in resolving the ongoing national examination crisis.Reacting to the developments surrounding the NEET-UG examination controversy, APCC president Bosiram Siram said the resignation demonstrated the democratic power of peaceful public pressure after weeks of student-led protests across the country.“The resignation of the Union education minister is a welcome first step, but the struggle does not end here. It alone cannot restore the lost academic years, opportunities, and peace of mind of thousands of affected students,” Siram said in a statement.
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Siram demanded a time-bound, independent probe into examination irregularities, a complete restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and permanent NEET and CUET examination centres within Arunachal Pradesh.He also called on the Centre to act on two demands: disciplinary action against Delhi Police personnel accused of lathi-charging peaceful student demonstrators, and the unconditional withdrawal of FIRs registered against protesting students nationwide.Following Pradhan’s exit, the APCC directed its District Congress Committees across Arunachal Pradesh to hold ‘Victory Marches’ in place of previously scheduled sit-ins, dedicating the demonstrations to affected students and party leader Rahul Gandhi’s advocacy on the issue.Meanwhile, the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) welcomed Pradhan’s resignation, with party president Nabam Vivek — also the Doimukh MLA — saying leaders in high constitutional offices must uphold strict moral accountability.Reacting to Pradhan’s exit from the Union Cabinet, Vivek cited widespread anger over alleged NEET paper leaks, calling it an unprecedented crisis impacting thousands of aspirants.“The NEET paper leakage is a serious matter that has jeopardised the lives of many students and reportedly claimed the lives of over 20 youths,” Vivek said in an official statement. “The Union minister should have taken moral responsibility on day one, as people in high positions ought to demonstrate high moral standards.”Vivek also credited student protests and civil society mobilisations after the controversy, saying the public response reflected a democratic system that remains responsive to grievances.
