'Pradhan Never Ran the Education Ministry, RSS Did': Rahul Gandhi's Sharp Dig Over Former Minister's Resignation

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday intensified his attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, claiming that Pradhan "never ran the Education Ministry" and that it was instead controlled by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Addressing reporters, Rahul Gandhi alleged that key decisions relating to the education sector were influenced by the RSS rather than the minister. He argued that Pradhan's resignation did not address what the Congress described as deeper structural issues within the ministry.

"Dharmendra Pradhan never ran the Education Ministry. The RSS did," Rahul Gandhi said, sharpening the Congress's criticism of the Centre amid the continuing political row over education policies and examination-related controversies.

The remarks come days after Pradhan stepped down from the Union Cabinet following sustained political pressure over alleged examination irregularities and demands from opposition parties for accountability. His resignation has since become a major flashpoint between the ruling BJP and the opposition.

The BJP dismissed Rahul Gandhi's allegations, accusing the Congress of making politically motivated statements. Party leaders defended Pradhan's tenure, highlighting reforms introduced during his time as Education Minister and asserting that policy decisions were taken by the elected government in accordance with constitutional procedures.

The exchange has added to the increasingly confrontational atmosphere in Parliament, where education reforms and examination integrity have emerged as dominant issues. Opposition parties have repeatedly questioned the government's handling of the education sector, while the Centre has maintained that it is implementing systemic reforms to improve transparency, strengthen institutions and enhance the credibility of public examinations.

Political observers say Rahul Gandhi's latest remarks are likely to further escalate the war of words between the Congress and the BJP, with both parties seeking to shape the public narrative around the former minister's resignation and the government's education policies.

The controversy also reflects the broader ideological differences between the Congress and the BJP over the role of educational institutions, curriculum reforms and policymaking. While the opposition has accused the government of allowing ideological influence in education, the BJP has consistently rejected such claims, arguing that its reforms are aimed at modernising India's education system.

As Parliament continues to witness heated debates, the issue is expected to remain at the centre of political discourse, with both sides showing little sign of backing down.