Delhi Chief Rekha Gupta expressed high praise for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday, as well as for his work and principled stance. Gupta characterized his decision to step down as a testament to dedication to public ethics and national interests.
In her post on social media platform X, Gupta highlighted Pradhan's contribution to the development of India's education sector. Special attention was given to his work in implementing key policy frameworks and promoting Indian languages in academia.
Gupta emphasized that 'Honorable Mr. @dpradhanbjp Ji performed all his duties in public life with dedication, honesty, and complete devotion. As the Union Minister of Education, he made a significant contribution to the effective implementation of the National Education Policy-2020.' She also mentioned that numerous significant reforms were carried out in the education system, facilitated by strengthening education in Indian languages, expanding technical and higher education, and creating new opportunities for students.
Commenting on the minister's decision to resign, Delhi Chief Gupta stressed that prioritizing national interests over personal positions demonstrates high moral standards in governance. She stated that his resignation reflects an unwavering commitment to ethical values, dignity, and principles in public life.
Gupta wished Pradhan success in his future endeavors, expressing hope that his continued efforts in service to the nation would reach new heights.
Pradhan's resignation followed a month-long protest at Jantar Mantar, led by the Cockroach Janata Party and activist Sonam Wangchuk. The protest was triggered by the leak of the NEET-UG exam in May, leading Wangchuk to conduct a 26-day hunger strike. The re-examination took place on June 21.
The climax occurred on July 20 during a 'Chalo Sansad' march by the CJP, which was met with police action. Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, stated in his initial reaction: 'We did it. Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.' He added that Pradhan's resignation proves that if people are not afraid and do not bow before the government, they can force any official to resign.
Pralad Venkatesh Joshi, appointed as the new Union Education Minister, is one of the most experienced parliamentarians of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has been part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet since 2019.
This Member of Parliament, representing the state of Karnataka, has been elected to parliament five times. Before moving to the federal level, he served as the president of the regional BJP unit in Karnataka and played a significant role in expanding the party's presence in that state.
Joshi is known for his effective style, which is combined with a low profile. Over the years, he has successfully handled important ministerial and parliamentary duties. Before receiving the latest position as Education Minister, he oversaw the ministries for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, as well as Renewable and New Energy, which remain under his purview.
In 2019, he joined the cabinet as a minister, responsible for the portfolios of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal, and Mining until 2024. As the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, he ensured the passage of crucial legislation, including the abrogation of Article 370 and the Women's Reservation Bill.
Speaking to journalists, Joshi stated: 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I will work my hardest and perform my duties with dedication.'
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) paid tribute to Dharmendra Pradhan after he resigned from the post of Union Education Minister. His departure came amid nationwide student protests demanding his resignation over alleged leaks of NEET (UG) examination materials and related scandals.
The BJP's national president, Nitin Naib, thanked Pradhan for 'putting larger interests first.' Naib noted that as the Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan played a key role in transforming India's education sector and successfully implementing the landmark National Education Policy (NEP 2020), among other initiatives. He emphasized that the decision to step down reflects the highest standards of integrity and selfless service to society.
Nitin Naib also stated that the party fully supports Shri Dharmendra Pradhan's decision and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, expressed gratitude to Pradhan for his 'tireless service' to the country. He characterized Pradhan's tenure as a testament to decades of public service and commitment to student welfare. Rijiju noted that true leadership is measured in decades, and Pradhan's journey serves as an example of lifelong engagement in public life and care for students. Working with him in the Union Cabinet, he witnessed Pradhan's sincere dedication to strengthening India's educational ecosystem and ensuring that millions of young students remain at the center of every decision. He added that leading such a critical sector requires immense perseverance, which Pradhan embraced with courage and clear vision.
Rajya Sabha MP and national general secretary of the BJP, Vinod Tawde, stated that Pradhan always gave 'the highest importance' to the idea that 'the identity of a strong nation is recognized through its education system.' Tawde mentioned that Pradhan's career in public life, which began in the student movement, reached a significant milestone as the country's education minister. During this period, he consistently ensured that education remained at the center of the national discourse. He wished him success in his future public life, hoping that his conviction 'Nation First' will remain dedicated to the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Pradhan's resignation occurred against the backdrop of escalating youth protests at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi—the capital's official demonstration venue. Protesters demanded his resignation. The demonstrations also spread to several other states, where actions turned violent in multiple locations.
Amid ongoing protests in Delhi, driven by demands for educational reforms and the resignation of the Education Minister, former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh issued an emotional appeal to the government. He used social media to urge the government and the CJP party to find a resolution to the dispute through dialogue.
In his Instagram story, Yuvraj Singh stated that every child, student, woman, and man should have the opportunity to learn in an atmosphere of peace, develop safely, and realize their dreams. He emphasized that the well-being of the youth is the foundation of a better India, and proposed creating a society where everyone has opportunities and hope, achieving this through constructive dialogue.
On Monday, as the autumn parliamentary session began, a large number of protesters marched to the Parliament at the call of the CJP. The main demands of the demonstrators include improving the education system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters accused the police of blocking many routes leading to the Parliament and obstructing people coming from outside to reach the Janta Mantar. Furthermore, the police were accused of using batons and tear gas.
Reports indicate that about 60 protesters were injured in clashes on Monday. Despite this, the demonstrators remain at the Janta Mantar, and their sit-in protest continues. On Tuesday, many opposition leaders arrived at the protest site, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who met with activists and listened to them.
Meanwhile, the CJP organization appealed to social activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his fast. The organization released a public letter noting that his self-sacrifice and struggle have become a source of inspiration for thousands of students across the country. The letter stated: 'We strongly urge you to end your fast. Your struggle has united students, but now it is important to take care of your health.' The organization assured that Wangchuk's fast ending would not lead to the end of the protests, as the actions will continue until the demands for reforming the education system are met.
