Congress workers, led by All India Congress Committee (AICC) national secretary and former MLA Chiranjeev Rao, took out a victory procession in Rewari on Saturday, July 26, 2026, following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The march was organized to celebrate what party members described as a triumph of student activism and democratic values.
Procession Details and Tributes
The procession saw dozens of party workers marching through the streets of Rewari, carrying party flags and chanting slogans against the BJP-led central government. Rao and other Congress leaders lit candles and paid floral tributes to students who lost their lives amid the stress and hardships linked to the NEET paper leak controversy. The gesture was meant to honor the memory of those affected by the scandal that has shaken the education system.
According to Congress leaders, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan marks a significant victory for the student community and reaffirms the power of peaceful protest. “This is a victory of the students’ struggle, truth, and democracy,” Rao stated while addressing the gathering.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Addressing the crowd, Rao declared that the resignation is only the beginning of a larger movement. “This is just the start; the struggle will continue until the anti-youth, anti-farmer, and anti-people BJP government is removed from power,” he said. He alleged that the BJP administration has created an atmosphere of chaos across the country, particularly weakening the education system.
Rao further claimed that repeated paper leaks have jeopardized the futures of millions of young Indians. “Despite the government’s attempts to suppress student voices, the peaceful movement and the consistent support of the Congress party forced the government to bow before public pressure,” he remarked.
Congress’s Stand for Youth and Education
The Congress party reiterated its commitment to fighting for student rights, employment opportunities, transparent recruitment processes, and a stronger education system. Rao emphasized that the party will continue to hold the government accountable for its failures in the education sector.
The victory procession in Rewari is part of a broader Congress strategy to capitalize on the political fallout from the NEET paper leak and the subsequent resignation of the education minister. Party leaders believe that this issue resonates strongly with youth voters, especially in states like Haryana where education and employment are key electoral issues.
Political analysts note that the Congress is using this opportunity to position itself as a champion of student causes ahead of upcoming state elections. The party has promised to introduce measures to prevent paper leaks and ensure fair examination processes if voted to power.
Background of the Resignation
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister following mounting pressure from opposition parties and student groups over the NEET paper leak scandal that came to light earlier this year. The leak led to widespread protests across the country, with students demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.
The Congress party had been at the forefront of these protests, organizing rallies and submitting memorandums to the President. The resignation is seen as a direct result of the sustained campaign led by the Congress and student organizations.
While the BJP has defended its record on education reforms, the opposition has seized upon the incident to criticize the government’s handling of the crisis. The victory procession in Rewari symbolizes the Congress’s belief that it has gained the upper hand in the political narrative over this issue.
