‘You Removed Pradhan to Save Pradhan Mantri’: Akhilesh Yadav Targets Government

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sharply criticized the Central government during Parliament proceedings on Tuesday. He linked former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation with the nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. Speaking during the debate on the anti-paper leak bill, Yadav claimed sustained public pressure forced the government into taking action. He remarked that removing one “Pradhan” ultimately helped save the “Pradhan Mantri,” taking a direct swipe at the ruling leadership. The Kannauj MP recalled the minister’s arrival in Parliament and suggested lawmakers felt relieved after his resignation. Yadav argued the government acted only after realizing the growing public anger over examination issues. He maintained the resignation reflected political pressure rather than voluntary accountability. His remarks drew attention during the lengthy parliamentary discussion on examination reforms.

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SP Chief Credits Youth Protests for Government’s Decision

Akhilesh Yadav praised students for maintaining unity throughout the nationwide protests demanding accountability over examination irregularities. He said young people demonstrated remarkable determination and eventually compelled the government to change its position. According to Yadav, the administration initially believed it could withstand every challenge without making any concessions. However, students proved collective action could influence even the strongest governments through sustained public campaigns. He quoted the popular saying, “Jhukti hai duniya, jhukane wala chahiye,” while highlighting the protesters’ determination. Yadav asserted the government ultimately bowed before public pressure and accepted political responsibility by removing the minister. He described the development as a significant victory for young citizens demanding transparency and fairness. He also congratulated the students for keeping their movement peaceful and focused throughout the protests.

The SP president described the agitation as one of the rare student movements receiving widespread backing from parents. He argued that governments usually accept public demands only after facing considerable pressure from citizens. Referring to previous political developments, Yadav compared the protests with the farmers’ agitation against three controversial farm laws. He claimed the government withdrew those laws only after mounting public pressure and approaching elections. According to him, the same political pattern appeared during the student protests over examination irregularities. Yadav observed that what initially seemed like a minor issue eventually transformed into a nationwide movement. He expressed hope that authorities would now fulfill every legitimate demand raised by protesting students. He also warned governments against underestimating public movements that begin on a smaller scale.

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Akhilesh Alleges BJP Damaged Education System

During his speech, Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of weakening India’s education system since coming to power. He alleged the government harmed educational institutions, examinations, and universities by promoting a uniform ideological approach. According to him, these policies created widespread dissatisfaction among students across different parts of the country. Yadav argued growing frustration eventually fueled massive protests that even the country’s largest political party could not ignore. He urged the government to change its approach toward education and restore confidence among students. The SP chief maintained that transparent examinations and independent institutions remained essential for protecting young people’s future. He insisted policymakers should prioritize merit, fairness, and accountability instead of political considerations in education. Yadav said meaningful reforms would help rebuild trust in India’s examination system.

Akhilesh Yadav also accused the government of denying fair recruitment opportunities to Dalits and backward communities. He claimed several recruitment policies had weakened opportunities for socially disadvantaged sections seeking government employment. The SP chief further criticized the government’s reliance on the National Testing Agency for conducting examinations. He remarked that the Opposition feared the Centre might eventually outsource more government functions in similar ways. According to Yadav, outsourcing important responsibilities could reduce transparency and weaken public accountability over recruitment processes. He urged the government to strengthen institutional mechanisms instead of shifting critical responsibilities elsewhere. Yadav concluded that restoring trust in examinations and recruitments required immediate reforms and greater administrative transparency. His remarks kept education reforms and recruitment policies at the center of Parliament’s debate.

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