‘The resistance must continue’: Shabana Azmi says students have won first battle after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation
The Resistance Must Continue: Shabana Azmi on Student Victory
Student Movement Celebrates Initial Victory
Bharatmorningnews.com – this powerful message came from veteran actress Shabana Azmi as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down on Saturday following sustained demonstrations by students over examination irregularities. The minister explained that he wished to prevent the NEET-UG controversy from affecting young learners’ futures, acknowledging the widespread concerns raised by the student community. This resignation marks a significant moment in the ongoing movement, with Azmi emphasizing that while this is an important victory, the journey toward comprehensive educational reform has only just begun.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who actively joined the Jantar Mantar rallies and held discussions with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke in the capital, described this as a pivotal juncture for the student movement. Her presence at the protests demonstrated her commitment to supporting the youth-led demonstrations that have captured national attention. Azmi’s involvement has been particularly notable given her long history of social activism and her willingness to stand alongside young protesters during challenging times.
Speaking with PTI, the acclaimed performer shared her admiration for the young protesters whose determination yielded meaningful results.
“So proud of our youth. I am truly humbled. Thank you for showing us that our Constitution is our greatest strength,”
she remarked. Her words resonated with many who have followed the student movement closely, as she acknowledged the democratic spirit that has driven the demonstrations forward. The actress emphasized that the students’ peaceful yet persistent approach has been instrumental in achieving this first victory.
Actress Remains Vocal Supporter Despite Illness
Shabana has emerged as one of cinema’s most prominent advocates for the demonstrations. Earlier this week, she attended the student-organized Chalo Sansad march at Jantar Mantar, where she publicly criticized law enforcement’s handling of demonstrators. Participants faced lathi charges and tear gas deployment during the event, highlighting the intensity of the situation. Azmi’s vocal support during these critical moments has positioned her as a key figure in the broader coalition backing the student movement.
Although she planned to join protests in Mumbai, the actress remained in Delhi due to swine flu. Despite her absence from the Mumbai gathering, she emphasized that the minister’s departure marks only the beginning.
“It is the first step towards the students’ victory. But the resistance must continue till the educational system is overhauled and all demands are met,”
she clarified. Her statement underscored the comprehensive nature of the student demands, which extend beyond the immediate resignation to include systemic changes in the examination process.
Minister’s Resignation Letter Details Government Actions
Pradhan’s departure came after weeks of CJP-organized demonstrations seeking accountability regarding examination irregularities. In his resignation correspondence addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister noted that educational reforms represented his lifelong mission and protecting young people remained his moral duty in public service. The letter reflected his deep personal connection to the education sector and his commitment to ensuring that students receive fair treatment in their academic pursuits.
According to Pradhan’s statement, the government responded swiftly after discovering irregularities in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. Authorities initiated a CBI investigation, suspended the original examination, announced plans for a re-examination, and committed to implementing computer-based testing from the following academic year. These measures demonstrate the government’s willingness to take decisive action to address the concerns raised by students and their families.
The minister highlighted that the government’s immediate priority involves assisting more than twenty lakh students in appearing for the revised examination without complications. He also mentioned that results declared on July 16 reflected the genuine efforts of deserving candidates. This acknowledgment of the original results’ validity provides some reassurance to students who had already received their outcomes, while those affected by the irregularities look forward to the re-examination process.
While accepting responsibility from the outset, Pradhan expressed concern about individuals attempting to mislead students during the ongoing protests. He stated that recent events deeply saddened him and that he wanted to prevent further confusion among young learners or any exploitation of the situation. His resignation letter concluded with a call for unity and continued dialogue between the government and the student community to ensure that the educational system serves its primary purpose of nurturing young minds.