Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge alleged that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25 because of sustained student protests over the NEET paper leak rather than out of accountability.
Mr. Kharge stated that neither Mr. Pradhan nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed remorse despite the Centre acknowledging the leak in May. He noted the timeline: the NEET examination occurred on May 3, complaints arose on May 7, the National Testing Agency approached police on May 8, and Mr. Pradhan acknowledged the leak on May 15.
In his resignation letter, Mr. Pradhan cited a desire to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the issue. Mr. Kharge quoted, “It is very clear that Mr. Pradhan’s resignation is not one of conscience or accountability. He has been forced to resign by the students of this nation.”
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said Congress protests would continue until student concerns are addressed. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the resignation a victory for students but said deeper reforms are needed. State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra maintained that Mr. Pradhan stepped down voluntarily to stop political misuse of the protests.
