Pradhan’s resignation is not out of regret, says Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge

File photo of Home Minister Priyank Kharge.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday claimed that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was not an act of accountability for the NEET paper leak, but a result of ongoing nationwide student protests.

He claimed that neither Mr. Pradhan nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed regret over the controversy, despite the Center acknowledging the paper leak in May.

Addressing reporters, Mr. Kharge pointed out that Mr. Pradhan’s resignation letter did not accept responsibility for the leak, but said he was stepping down to prevent “anti-national forces” from exploiting the issue. “It is very clear that Mr. Pradhan’s resignation is not a resignation of conscience or responsibility. The students of this nation forced him to resign,” he said.

Tracing the sequence of events, Mr. Kharge said the NEET exam was held on May 3, the complaints surfaced on May 7, the National Testing Agency approached the police on May 8 and Mr. Pradhan admitted to the leak on May 15 before resigning only on July 25. He claimed that thousands of students faced uncertainty due to admissions strikes, while many died of hunger and many died by suicide.

Mr. Kharge urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement in Parliament, apologize to students and present a plan for reforms in the education sector.

Congress continues to protest

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the Congress would continue its protests until the students’ concerns were addressed, calling demonstrations an integral part of democracy.

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed Mr. Pradhan’s resignation as a victory for students, democracy and the Constitution, but said it alone would not solve the deeper problems facing the education sector.

“Until Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has commercialized everything from politics to education, is removed from office, neither the education system can be fixed nor can India survive as a democracy. Therefore, the students and youth of this country must not stop celebrating the resignation of one incompetent and corrupt minister. Their struggle must continue until the incompetent and corrupt government at the Center is uprooted,” he said.

A win for students

KPCC president BK Hariprasad described Mr Pradhan’s resignation as a victory for the student agitation, saying it was not enough. He demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, withdrawal of cases against student protesters and compensation to the families of students who died by suicide.

Pradhan left to stop Cong. from the “abuse” protest: Vijayendra

BJP state president BY Vijayendra said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had resigned “on his own accord to prevent the ruthless Congress from further exploiting the student protests for its political ends”.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Vijayendra said the Congress was “playing a pathetic game of exploiting the students’ protest to further its political agenda without realizing the explosive situation prevailing in the state capital”.

Published – 26 Jul 2026 0:19 IST