BJP leader and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan spoke about the reasons behind his decision for the first time, nearly two weeks after resigning as the Union Education Minister. While addressing students and faculty at GM University in Bhubaneswar, he said that attempts were made to mislead 'Gen Z' during the protests surrounding allegations of the NEET question paper leak. According to him, he had personally proposed his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, keeping the interests of the younger generation at the lead.
Dharmendra Pradhan said that attempts were made to mislead Gen Z during the protests surrounding the NEET question paper leak issue. He remarked that it is the country's young generation that will propel India forward in the future.
He said that he views Gen Z as the children of the nation. According to him, approximately 20 crore children are born in India each year, with around 20 crore births recorded over the last decade. This young generation has its own hopes and aspirations, and they are the ones who will transform India into a 'Vishwa Guru' (global leader) in the future.
He also mentioned that, given the circumstances, he did not personally attach much importance to the ministerial post itself.
Dharmendra Pradhan said that he had personally spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and proposed his resignation from the Union Cabinet.
He resigned from the post of Education Minister on July 25. Before his resignation, student protests regarding NEET and examination-related issues were taking place at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
It is evident from Pradhan's remarks that he does not view his resignation as a personal crisis; rather, he has mwntioned the situation facing the students and concerns regarding their future as key reasons for his decision.
Dharmendra Pradhan shared his views on the future of the younger generation at an event held at GM University.
He said that the youth possess aspirations and need to be given the opportunity to move forward on the right path. His address placed special emphasis on education, the future of the youth, and the long-term development of the country.
He further remarked that the position of Union Minister was not the most important matter to him; rather, the future of the nation's youth and the larger interest of the country held greater significance for him.
At another event, Dharmendra Pradhan criticised former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik.
Addressing the protests by BJD workers and the ‘Go Back’ slogans raised against him, Pradhan said that he is a farmer's son; even if told to leave, he would return.
Pradhan also claimed that Naveen Patnaik had described him as a ‘disgrace’ and a bad person for the people of Odisha. In response, he questioned whether his actions had ever brought shame upon the people of the state.
He remarked that while he might not have always achieved success for the state, he would never do anything that tarnishes Odisha's honour.
The BJD has responded to Dharmendra Pradhan's remarks.
Rohit Pujari, the party's Sambalpur district president and a former minister, said that no one had personally insulted Dharmendra Pradhan. According to him, the criticism directed at Pradhan was to stop incidents such as police lathi-charges and the use of tear gas during the student agitation.
Pujari further questioned why Naveen Patnaik is being held responsible for the police's conduct during the student protests. In essence, the political sparring between the BJP and the BJD over this incident has become evident.
BJD MLA and Deputy Leader of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Prasanna Acharya, was also present on the dais during Dharmendra Pradhan's address. Pradhan said that, mindful of the BJD's protests, he had spoken to Prasanna Acharya beforehand and discussed whether or not he should attend the event. Pradhan claimed that Acharya had sure him permission to attend and had promised to welcome him.
Fears had arisen regarding protests by the BJD's youth and student wings focusing on Dharmendra Pradhan's programme. Reports indicate that the Sambalpur police kept approximately 30 BJD activists as a precautionary measure to keep the situation under control.
So, alongside Dharmendra Pradhan's speech, the political tension surrounding the event has also become a topic of discussion.
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