NEW DELHI Following the high-profile resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya revealed that Pradhan had offered to step down on the very first day of the student demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Pradhan formally tendered his resignation on Saturday, taking moral responsibility for the alleged irregularities and administrative lapses in competitive examinations. His departure brought an end to a intense 36-day nationwide agitation led by student organizations.
Resignation Offered on First Day of Agitation
Speaking to media persons in Indore, Kailash Vijayvargiya disclosed that Pradhan was willing to step aside as soon as the agitation gained public momentum.
According to the BJP leader, Pradhan immediately approached the party high command when student demonstrations erupted at Jantar Mantar. “On the first day, as soon as the student agitation began, Pradhan informed the party president that if it was deemed necessary, he was ready to resign as education minister,” Vijayvargiya stated.
He further clarified that the party leadership initially advised Pradhan to refrain from submitting a formal resignation while the situation was under review. However, once the leadership subsequently concluded that stepping aside was the appropriate course of action, Pradhan executed the decision immediately
Foiling External Attempts to Destabilize Unrest
Defending the former education minister’s record, Vijayvargiya commended Pradhan for managing his responsibilities with dedication and integrity. He asserted that the timely resignation served a larger strategic purpose for national stability.
Vijayvargiya claimed that Pradhan’s decision effectively thwarted attempts by external entities seeking to exploit student angst to trigger widespread unrest in India, comparing the potential risk to political turbulence seen in neighboring nations like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Pralhad Joshi Steps In Amid Nationwide Exam Reforms
Following Pradhan’s exit, the Central Government assigned senior Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi additional charge of the Union Ministry of Education. Joshi, who currently holds the portfolios for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, assumes responsibility during a critical transitional phase.
Taking charge with a pledge to uphold transparency and restore trust in the national examination framework, Joshi acknowledged Pradhan’s foundational work in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP). Meanwhile, following Pradhan’s exit, student bodies announced the withdrawal of their 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar.