- Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned as Union Education Minister amid ongoing protests regarding the NEET paper leak.
- Priyank Kharge stated that Pradhan's resignation was not due to remorse, but rather a response to the pressure from students.
- Kharge pointed out that Pradhan's resignation letter did not accept responsibility for the leak, instead claiming he was stepping down to prevent 'anti-national forces' from exploiting the issue.
- Kharge traced the timeline of events leading to Pradhan's resignation, noting that the NEET exam was held on May 3, complaints arose on May 7, and Pradhan acknowledged the leak on May 15 before resigning on July 25.
- Kharge alleged that the delay in action from the Centre led to uncertainty for lakhs of students, with some facing severe consequences including deaths by suicide.
- Kharge urged Prime Minister Modi to apologize in Parliament and present a roadmap for reforms in the education sector.
- Siddaramaiah called Pradhan's resignation a victory for students and democracy, but noted that deeper issues in the education sector remain unresolved.
- B K Hariprasad described the resignation as a victory for student agitation but demanded further actions including the resignation of Amit Shah and compensation for affected families.
- BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra claimed that Pradhan resigned voluntarily to prevent Congress from exploiting the protests for political gain.
- Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that Congress would continue protests until students' concerns are adequately addressed.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has asserted that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is not a sign of accountability regarding the NEET paper leak, but rather a consequence of persistent protests by students across the nation.123456
Kharge stated, “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.” He emphasized that neither Pradhan nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown remorse for the incident, which the Centre acknowledged in May.
The timeline of events reveals that the NEET examination took place on May 3, with complaints emerging by May 7. The National Testing Agency contacted the police on May 8, and Pradhan admitted to the leak on May 15 before resigning on July 25.
Kharge highlighted the severe impact on students, noting that lakhs faced uncertainty regarding admissions, with some tragically committing suicide and others engaging in hunger strikes due to the government's inaction.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called Pradhan's resignation a victory for students and democracy, while KPCC president B K Hariprasad demanded further accountability, including the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and compensation for affected families.78
In contrast, State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra claimed Pradhan resigned voluntarily to prevent political exploitation of the protests.9
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar affirmed that the Congress party would persist in its protests until students' issues are adequately addressed, underscoring the importance of demonstrations in a democratic society.
“Kharge traced the sequence: NEET exam on May 3, complaints on May 7, NTA approached police on May 8, Pradhan acknowledged leak on May 15, and resigned on July 25. He also urged PM Modi to apologize in Parliament and present a reform roadmap.”
