India’s Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said moving Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to another ministry would not be acceptable to protesting students, demanding his complete removal from the cabinet. Speaking to journalists in New Delhi on Saturday alongside three representatives of the All India Students’ Association, Gandhi highlighted students’ three-point demands linked to the exam question-paper leak issue.

Gandhi described Pradhan as corrupt, incompetent and unable to fulfil his responsibilities. He said information from within the government indicated discussions about shifting the minister to another portfolio, but argued that students did not want advice or a transfer and instead sought Pradhan’s removal. Gandhi accused the government of failing to give proper attention to students’ actual demands.

He also called for accountability for people and officials involved in police action, including baton charges, during the students’ July 20 protest march toward Parliament. Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said Modi should publicly apologise for what he described as the government’s lack of accountability to students and police “abuse” against them. He urged the government to take prompt and effective action in support of the protesters’ demands.