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Dharmendra Pradhan Quits As Education Minister Amid NEET Protests

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, accuses attempts to mislead Gen Z.

Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Politics Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Sun, 09 August 2026 at 08:33 am
Dharmendra Pradhan Quits As Education Minister Amid NEET Protests

Dharmendra Pradhan, the senior BJP leader and Sambalpur MP, has revealed that he resigned as Union Education Minister due to attempts to mislead Gen Z during the protests over the NEET paper leak issue.

Pradhan made this statement while addressing students and teachers at GM University in Bhubaneswar, exactly two weeks after he stepped down from his position. He claimed that some people tried to mislead the younger generation, prompting him to quit as Union Education Minister.

The protests over the NEET paper leak issue had gained massive attention, with demonstrations held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Pradhan stated that he had approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi and offered to resign from the Union Council of Ministers. He officially resigned from the ministry on July 25.

In another meeting in Rairakhol, Pradhan targeted former Odisha chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, saying he was not disturbed by protests by BJD workers and slogans asking him to 'go back'. Pradhan defended his record, asking if he had ever done anything that would shame the people of Odisha.

Pradhan's remarks against Patnaik came from a dais attended by BJD MLA and deputy leader in the Odisha Assembly Prasanna Acharya. BJD's Sambalpur district president and former minister Rohit Pujari hit back at Pradhan, saying the BJP leader had been criticised over the handling of the student protests.

Pujari stated that nobody had defamed Pradhan, but his party and government had defamed him by resorting to lathi-charge, tear gas, and atrocities during the peaceful student agitation at Jantar Mantar. Pradhan was facing criticism because of such incidents, and Pujari did not understand why he blamed Patnaik for the police excesses on agitating students.

The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister has sparked a heated debate, with many questioning the handling of the NEET protests. The incident has also highlighted the ongoing tensions between the BJP and BJD in Odisha.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the resignation of Pradhan will impact the education sector in India. The protests over the NEET paper leak issue have brought attention to the need for transparency and accountability in the education system.

In conclusion, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister is a significant development that has sparked a heated debate. The incident has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the education system and has brought attention to the ongoing tensions between the BJP and BJD in Odisha.

The future of the education sector in India remains uncertain, and it is crucial to address the concerns of students and parents. The government must take steps to ensure that the education system is fair, transparent, and accountable to all stakeholders.

The resignation of Pradhan has also raised questions about the handling of protests and demonstrations in India. The use of force by the police during the NEET protests has been widely criticized, and it is essential to ensure that the rights of protesters are protected.

In the end, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister is a reminder that the education sector in India needs reform and improvement. The government must take steps to address the concerns of students and parents and ensure that the education system is fair, transparent, and accountable to all stakeholders.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign as Education Minister?

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister due to attempts to mislead Gen Z during the protests over the NEET paper leak issue.

What was the reaction of BJD to Pradhan's resignation?

BJD's Sambalpur district president and former minister Rohit Pujari hit back at Pradhan, saying the BJP leader had been criticised over the handling of the student protests.

dharmendrapradhanneetprotestsbjpbjdeducationminister
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