Pralhad Joshi ‘Interim’ Education Minister? Sanjay Raut reiterates that Devendra Fadnavis will join national politics | Today’s news
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday described Pralhad Joshi’s appointment as Union Education Minister as a “temporary arrangement”, claiming the Center was looking for a permanent replacement and hinting that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis could emerge as a contender for the role.
Fadnavis on Sunday dismissed speculation of a possible move into national politics, suggesting that his political responsibilities remain focused on Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis also downplayed the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena ‘Tiranga’ rally in Mumbai and said issues like the NEET paper leak were not linked to any individual or political party but were matters concerning the youth of the country.
What did Sanjay Raut say?
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Sanjay Raut described Pralhad Joshi’s role as a “temporary arrangement”, suggesting the government is looking for a permanent replacement amid ongoing discussions.
Devendra Fadnavis dismissed speculation about his potential move into national politics, saying he would remain focused on his duties in Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the appointment, Pralhad Joshi said he will perform his duties with humility and a deep sense of duty.
After Pradhan’s resignation, the government agreed to withdraw the FIR against the protesters, provide compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide, and continue discussions on broader education reforms.
Yes, advocates like the Cockroach Janata Party emphasize the importance of accountability and implementing reforms in response to student-led protests and concerns about exam integrity.
According to ANI, speaking at a press conference, Raut said, “Pralhad Joshi is currently the caretaker education minister. At best, he could make a good coal minister. He worked as a coal minister and for the BJP, but now he has been appointed as the education minister. I believe this is a temporary arrangement; the government is actively looking for and considering a permanent education minister.”
Read also | Pradhan offered to resign on the first day of the student agitation, says Vijayvargiya
“As far as I know, Devendra Fadnavis could be the best education minister in the country. Modi ji has decided that too. He is associated with RSS ideology, well educated and experienced in running the state,” he added.
Read also | CJP to unveil next strategy after Pradhan’s resignation, says Abhijeet Dipke
“However, the dilemma is: if Devendra Fadnavis moves to Delhi, who will become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra? The decision is on hold due to this pressure. Yet word from inside Delhi is that Modi has decided to provide the country with a capable education minister,” he further said.
“I am only in Mumbai and Maharashtra”: Fadnavis
Citing sources, PTI said Fadnavis made a brief visit to the state capital on Saturday before returning to Nagpur, fueling speculation of a possible move into state politics following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union education minister.
Responding to questions about his visit to Delhi, Fadnavis dismissed the speculation saying, “I am in Nagpur today and will go to Mumbai in the evening. I am only in Mumbai and Maharashtra.”
The Maharashtra Chief Minister also said he had no objection to the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirmana Sena ‘Tiranga’ gathering in Mumbai to “celebrate” Pradhan’s resignation.
Read also | Shekhar Suman criticizes police brutality during CJP’s protest at Jantar Mantar
“I am happy that they have got a reason to celebrate. We are also happy because such issues (NEET paper leak) do not belong to any individual or party but concern the youth of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown utmost sensitivity and taken a decision in the interest of the country,” Fadnavis said.
He said the Union government would introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractice) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, which he described as a first-of-its-kind piece of legislation not only in India but across the world.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) officially called off its 37-day nationwide protest against the NEET-UG exam paper leak on July 25 following Pradhan’s resignation. After three rounds of intensive negotiations, the government acceded to all the key immediate demands of the student movement.
