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New Delhi: A day after former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down amid the prolonged NEET-UG paper leak protests, senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya claimed that Pradhan had offered to resign on the very first day of the student agitation.

According to Vijayvargiya, Pradhan informed the BJP leadership at the start of the protests that he was willing to leave the post if the party believed it would help address the situation. However, he alleged that the party leadership initially asked him to continue and not discuss the matter publicly.

‘Resignation Delayed by Party Decision’

Speaking to reporters, Vijayvargiya said the BJP president advised Pradhan against resigning at the beginning because no decision had been taken at that stage. He claimed that once the party later decided a resignation was appropriate, Pradhan immediately stepped down.

The BJP leader also praised Pradhan’s tenure, saying he had discharged every responsibility with honesty and dedication.

Claims on Foreign Forces and Opposition

Vijayvargiya further alleged that Pradhan’s resignation had disrupted the plans of “foreign forces” that wanted to destabilize India through prolonged unrest. He compared the situation with political developments in countries such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, claiming the resignation prevented attempts to escalate violence.

He also criticized the Congress, alleging that it was taking political credit for a movement initiated by students. Vijayvargiya questioned the Opposition’s role in the protests and dismissed its celebrations following Pradhan’s resignation.

Background to the Resignation

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. In his resignation statement, he said the developments of recent days had deeply saddened him and emphasized that the issue was not about personal prestige.

Following his exit, Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of the Education Ministry while continuing to handle the Consumer Affairs portfolio.

(With inputs from agencies)