Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, on Saturday, July 25, said Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation reflects BJP’s philosophy of “nation first, party next, self last”.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, democracy means listening to the people, respecting their voice and having the courage to take responsibility when the moment demands it, the minister said.
“As Dharmendra Pradhan ji steps down as Union Education Minister, his decision reflects the values our organisation stands for: responsibility before position and nation before self,” Sanjay Kumar said in a post on X.
Further, he said Pradhan has spent decades in public life, from the students’ movement to serving people by handling key responsibilities in the Union government.
The union minister thanked Pradhan for his long service and contributions.
“This is the BJP. This is democracy. Nation first always,” Sanjay Kumar added.
Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday over the NEET paper leak row, saying it is not a matter of “individual prestige” for him.
Pradhan fell victim to foreign forces: Raja Singh
In a video statement, Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh said Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was a very unfortunate thing and alleged that he had fallen victim to “foreign forces”.
“Since he (Pradhan) became the Education Minister, he has done many good things for education in the country. But today, he has fallen victim to foreign forces. The protest led by “jhingur party” (referring to Cockroach Janta Party) is fully funded by foreign powers.”
“People were called in by flights and trains to support them… Who paid for all this? They are claiming that they came on their own; this is not true. They were called.”
He added that CJP was mistaken if they thought of this as their victory because it was PM Modi who ensured that there is no injustice towards the youth. “All the paper leak culprits were arrested, and fast-track courts were set up. People will not even think about leaking papers.”
He alleged that foreign powers behind the CJP have only one objective: to repeat the Nepal pattern in India. “Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned, but don’t think that this is Modi’s defeat; PM Modi will never lose because the youth is with him.” Raja Singh said.
Kishan Reddy thanks Pradhan for ‘invaluable contribution to nation’
“From his early years in student movements to decades of dedicated public service, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan ji has remained deeply connected with the aspirations and ambitions of the young India. Few leaders bring such a grounded, first-hand understanding of students’ concerns and the transformative power of education to public life.” Union Minister for Coals and Mines G Kishan Reddy said in a post on X.
“Thank you, Dharmendra Pradhan ji, for your dedicated service, your commitment to India’s students, and your invaluable contribution to nation-building,” he added.
BRS celebrates ‘youth’s victory’
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao congratulated Gen Z saying, “power of people is always greater than the people in power. “
Harish Rao called Pradhan’s resignation a “major victory” for the country’s youth. In a post on X, he said, “Major victory for the country’s youth. The vibe shift is real. Congratulations !!”
Telangana Congress credits Rahul Gandhi
Telangana Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud said the resignation is the result of the struggle of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other parties.
Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar echoed the sentiment and said they will not allow “BJP’s dictatorship” to continue.
“Today, Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is a victory for the students and the Opposition. Students have once again shown their strength. Our remaining demands include ex gratia for the families of those who lost their lives, the withdrawal of all cases, and measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress stood with the students, and we will not allow the BJP’s dictatorship to continue,” the minister told reporters.
Congress leaders led by Government Whip Dr Balmoor Venkat celebrated Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation by sharing sweets and bursting crackers at Gandhi Bhavan.
Balmoor Venkat said that the struggle of the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, students and youth on the issue of NEET paper leakage has paid off. He said that the Centre must learn its lesson and make changes in the education system.
Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna called it a “monumental victory for the Indian youth” and a “stinging rebuke to BJP’s arrogant attitude.”
“Today, it has been proven that when young people resolve to pursue a goal and take to the streets, even the most powerful government is compelled to yield.” he said.
Telangana Labour Minister Dr G Vivek Venkataswamy described the development as the “first political verdict given by the youth of the country on the failures of the BJP government.”
“The central government had to back down due to the continuous pressure of the student movement and the Congress Party’s struggle, especially Rahul Gandhi. This is a victory for democracy, the day arrogance was defeated,” he said.
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