Uttar Pradesh opposition challenges ruling party over education issues and Dharmendra Pradhan resignation

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav faced criticism from O.P. Rajbhar, the BSP chief, who posted on X asking, "If Dharmendra Pradhan were from the Yadav community, would Akhilesh still demand his resignation?" Rajbhar highlighted caste as a factor in the former central education minister's resignation and urged Yadav to answer.

In response, Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh dismissed Yadav's claims that the state was closing government schools. Singh said no schools have been shut, low‑enrolment schools are being merged with nearby ones, and vacant facilities are being used for pre‑primary classes and child care centres. He accused Yadav of spreading misinformation ahead of the 2027 state elections and defended the government's education reforms.

Both exchanges underline the mounting political tension in the state ahead of upcoming elections, with the opposition using the education portfolio and recent resignations to challenge the ruling Yogi Adityanath government.