GUWAHATI: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday welcomed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, describing it as "a victory of democracy" and urging the country to move "from accountability to reforms."
In a statement issued shortly after Pradhan announced his resignation, Wangchuk congratulated the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the country's youth for their role in the protests, while thanking citizens for demanding accountability.
"It's a victory of democracy—direct democracy… straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience and perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. From accountability, now to reforms," Wangchuk said.
Pradhan announced his resignation earlier in the day, stating that the decision was taken to protect students' future and prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the large-scale youth protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
The resignation came just hours before the scheduled third round of talks between the Centre and the CJP, which had consistently maintained that Pradhan's resignation was a "non-negotiable" demand in the ongoing agitation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
Following the announcement, celebrations broke out at the protest site in Delhi's Jantar Mantar, with CJP supporters cheering as news of the resignation spread. CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke was seen looking visibly relieved amid the celebrations.