'You couldn't defeat Modi, now you're chasing Gen Z votes': Sushmita Dev to opposition

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev on July 23 dismissed the opposition's demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling it "political posturing" rather than a genuine attempt to reform India's education system.

Responding to the Opposition INDIA bloc's protests over the NEET controversy, Dev said a responsible opposition should focus on constructive debate and policy reforms instead of demanding resignations.

"The demand for the Education Minister's resignation, coming from the opposition alliance, is nothing more than political posturing. As a responsible opposition, if they are genuinely concerned about the education system or bringing systemic reforms, then they should participate in a debate on the issue," she said.

Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the BJP MP alleged that the opposition was attempting to woo younger voters after failing to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi electorally.

"They could not defeat Prime Minister Modi in the election, so now they are trying to appeal to the Gen Z vote bank," Dev said.

She urged Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to articulate his vision for education reforms inside Parliament.

"As the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Rahul Gandhi should present his vision. What exactly does he want? He should speak in the House about reforms in the education sector. Students may protest outside, but you are the Leader of the Opposition. Tell us your vision. We want to hear it," she said.

Dev further asserted that the opposition's insistence on seeking the minister's resignation was driven by politics rather than public interest.

"Demanding a resignation is merely a political battle driven by ego, and nothing more," she added.

Her remarks come amid escalating political exchanges over the NEET examination controversy, with opposition parties intensifying protests and demanding accountability from the Centre over alleged irregularities in the examination process.