Dharmendra Pradhan Explains Resignation: A statement has been issued by former Union Education Minister and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan following his resignation. Reiterating his stance on the resignation, he noted that attempts were made to mislead the younger generation amid the NEET paper leak controversy; he had decided to step down with the safety of the nation and its children in mind.

Pradhan has now spoken openly for the first time about the NEET paper leak row and the subsequent student protests, remarking that certain individuals had tried to mislead ‘Gen Z’ during the demonstrations.

Pradhan’s statement following his resignation

Pradhan made these remarks on Saturday while addressing students and faculty at GM University in Bhubaneswar. This statement comes exactly two weeks after he stepped down as Education Minister. He had resigned from the post on July 25, amidst student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak controversy.

Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised, “Gen Z are our children. Some people tried to mislead them. At least 20 million (two crore) children are born in India every year; 200 million (20 crore) children have been born in the last decade. They have their own aspirations and will make India a ‘Vishwa Guru’ (global leader). The position itself was not important to me.”

BJD workers protest against Pradhan in Odisha

For former Education Minister Pradhan, who is facing nationwide protests, the situation in his home state is far from normal. Workers from the regional party, BJD, are frequently seen staging protests at almost all of his events. During one such event in Rairakhol, loud slogans were raised against Pradhan. He stated, “I am a farmer’s son.” “Even if you tell me to go back, I will not leave; I will return.”

Targeting Naveen Patnaik

During another event in Rairakhol, Pradhan also took aim at Odisha’s former Chief Minister and BJD President, Naveen Patnaik. He stated that he was unfazed by the protests staged by BJD workers and the “go back” slogans raised against him. Activists from the BJD’s youth and student wings had staged a protest near the airport, shouting slogans demanding that Dharmendra Pradhan go back.

Responding to this, Pradhan said, “I am a farmer’s son. Even if you tell me to go back, I will still return. Have I done anything to bring shame to the people of Odisha?”