Congress party organised victory marches in three Haryana cities—Panipat, Sonepat, and Bhiwani—on Sunday to celebrate what leaders termed a triumph of the student movement against the NEET paper leak. The marches followed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which Congress leaders said was a direct result of sustained public pressure and opposition protests.
Panipat March Led by District Presidents
In Panipat, the march was led by district Congress presidents Ramesh Malik (Rural) and Baljeet Singh (Urban), along with senior party members, workers from various wings, and students. The procession wove through key city routes as participants raised slogans demanding accountability in the education system.
Ramesh Malik said, “Today’s victory march is not a political march but it is a march of youths’ strong will power and the win of the democratic movement of the students.” He added, “When youth raise their voice for their rights, then the governments have to listen to them.”
Sonepat and Bhiwani Processions
In Sonepat, the march started from Gandhi Chowk and concluded at Dr BR Ambedkar Park. District Congress presidents Kamal Diwan (Urban) and Sanjeev Dahiya (Rural) led the event. Party workers, students, and local residents chanted slogans in support of the protesting youths and demanded strict action against those responsible for the paper leak.
The Bhiwani march was jointly chaired by District Congress Committee presidents Pradeep Gulia ‘Jogi’ (Urban) and Anirudh Choudhary (Rural). Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Rao Narender Singh led the rally, calling the resignation a significant victory for students, youth, and democratic struggle.
Singh said, “The victory belongs to millions of students who fought peacefully for their rights and a fair and transparent education system.” He credited the movement’s success to the unwavering resolve of young protesters who faced harsh conditions.
Political Credit and National Context
Congress leaders attributed the government’s response to the relentless efforts of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who they said raised the issue both in Parliament and on the streets. The party framed the marches as a celebration of democratic assertion, not mere political grandstanding. The NEET paper leak had sparked widespread outrage across India, with students demanding a thorough investigation and systemic reforms.
The victory marches underscored the Congress party’s attempt to channel student anger into electoral and political momentum, particularly in Haryana, where assembly elections are anticipated. The resignations of senior officials, including the education minister, have been hailed by the opposition as a vindication of their campaign.
