Pradhan's Resignation Triggers Fresh Demand for Lokesh's Exit Over DSC Allegations

Vijayawada:Students' organisations, youth groups, and opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh welcomed on Saturday the resignation of union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing it as a victory for sustained protests over the alleged NEET irregularities.

At the same time, they have demanded withdrawal of cases registered against NEET protesters and compensation for those who died after cancellation of the NEET examination.

Several organisations, including AISF, PDSU, NSUI, SIO, Yuva Congress, and civil society groups, said Pradhan’s resignation reflects the impact of the nationwide student movement.

Coinciding with the occasion, opposition YSRC in AP has recalled the campaign against AP Education minister Nara Lokesh for the alleged irregularities in the District Selection Committee (DSC) teacher recruitment process involving nearly 3.5 lakh aspirants.

The opposition party pointed out that the recruitment process had been marred by irregularities from the notification stage to the issuance of appointment orders, including alleged data leaks, manipulation of the sports quota, non-publication of the merit list, and procedural violations. The YSRC demanded a CBI inquiry into the DSC recruitment process.

In a post on X, former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said Pradhan's resignation had set a benchmark for political accountability. He questioned whether Lokesh would accept "moral responsibility" for the alleged DSC irregularities or whether Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would shield him.

Former minister Ambati Rambabu alleged that deserving candidates had been denied opportunities, while favoured candidates have benefited in the DSC selections.

YSRC student wing president Panuganti Chaitanya announced state-wide protests at district headquarters on July 28 demanding Lokesh's resignation and a CBI inquiry into the DSC recruitments. Former MLA Malladi Vishnu said the agitation would continue until the minister steps down.

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee has welcomed Pradhan's resignation. APCC president Y.S. Sharmila said it is the result of sustained protests and pressure brought in by the opposition led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing a press conference in Vijayawada, Congress Working Committee member Gidugu Rudra Raju said the union government has been compelled to act following a 26-day nationwide agitation by students and parents. APCC vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji said the Congress would continue its campaign to protect democratic institutions, create employment opportunities, and safeguard the students' rights.

CPI (M) state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao described the resignation as a victory for the students’ movement. Student organisation PDSO, however, said its agitation would continue until the National Testing Agency, NEET, and the "one nation-one examination" are abolished.