“Youth forced government to accept moral responsibility”: Sharad Pawar on Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation

New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday said that the country's youth had forced the Union government to accept "moral responsibility" over the NEET-UG paper leak, describing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as a "victory of democracy" and the collective strength of young people.
In a post on X, Pawar heaped praise on the students who sustained a 28-day protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, saying their determination had compelled the Centre to respond to their demands.
"The struggle and determination shown by the youth over 28 consecutive days at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in the NEET paper leak case is truly commendable. In response to the insistent demand of the protesters, the Union Education Minister has finally resigned today. This fight, which stood firmly against oppression without fear and forced the government to accept moral responsibility against injustice, is a symbol of the power of democracy. This is a major victory for the unity of the youth power in the country," Pawar said.
He also acknowledged the role played by Opposition parties in extending support to the protesters.
"Heartfelt thanks to all the MPs of the opposition parties for the way in which the leading leaders of the opposition parties provided moral and parliamentary support to the youth of the country. I certainly feel compelled to state that the democracy in the country has triumphed, and the credit for that undoubtedly goes to the young generation of the country," the veteran leader said.
Echoing similar sentiments, his daughter, the NCP (SP) working president and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule said the resignation had come only after sustained public pressure from students, peaceful protesters and Opposition parties, while asserting that the development should mark the beginning of deeper reforms rather than the conclusion of the movement.
In a post on X, Sule said, "The resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan comes only after sustained pressure from peaceful protesters, students, and the Opposition. I congratulate every protester who stood firm on the #NEETUG issue. But this cannot be the end, we demand real accountability, comprehensive educational reforms, and a detailed discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament."
Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet today stating that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that the protests over examination irregularities were not exploited by "anti-national forces."
The resignation came after weeks of nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities and a 26-day hunger strike led by Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar. The agitation was spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks.
Welcoming the resignation, activist Sonam Wangchuk described Pradhan's resignation as a "victory of democracy, peace and perseverance," urging that the momentum generated by the student movement now be channelled towards structural reforms in the education sector.
In a post on X, Wangchuk wrote, "IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS."
The CJP further said it would continue its protest at Jantar Mantar until all of its demands were met.
Addressing supporters, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke said, "Kaha jaata tha iss sarkar main istife nahi hote. Jhukti hai duniya, jhukaane vaala chahiye. We have done it," calling it the first resignation by a Union Minister under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
Visuals from the protest site showed demonstrators celebrating after the announcement of the minister's resignation.
Dipke said the organisation would continue its agitation until its remaining demands were fulfilled, including compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide over examination-related issues, assurance that no action would be taken against student protesters, and action against Delhi Police personnel accused of using force against demonstrators.
In his resignation letter shared on X, Pradhan said the decision had been taken in the larger interest of students and the country.
"The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces. The unity of the country must remain intact. The future of every student in India should not get entangled in legal complications," he wrote.
Pradhan said he had always respected the aspirations of India's youth and defended the government's handling of the NEET-UG paper leak, stating that after irregularities surfaced in the May 3 examination, the Centre transferred the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination and announced a re-test.
He said the re-examination for more than two million candidates was successfully conducted on June 21 with the support of state governments, district administrations, students and parents. He also announced that beginning next year, the NEET-UG examination would be conducted entirely in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode to improve transparency and strengthen the integrity of the examination process.
Meanwhile, the Centre is preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law providing for Special Fast-Track Courts, a Special Task Force (STF) and other measures aimed at preventing examination malpractices across the country. (ANI)