Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress said its agitation over the NEET paper leak would continue as it demanded criminal action against Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan after his resignation from the post on Saturday. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Pradhan, praising his education reforms, including the National Education Policy.Congress state-chief Harshwardhan Sapkal made serious allegations against Pradhan after stating that “152 examination paper leaks were reported during Pradhan’s tenure; they were part of an organised racket designed to benefit a particular class and BJP affiliates in exams for their admission while facilitating corrupt financial gains over several years.”Sapkal alleged that during Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure, he established control over the examination system and, through the “One Nation, One Examination” policy, leaked papers 152 times, benefiting a particular class and BJP affiliates and enabling corrupt financial gains.
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He further added, “The roots of this racket run deep. We will not sit quietly until these issues are fully investigated. The movement launched by the Congress will not stop with Pradhan’s resignation; there will also be a candle march.”Congress’ Vijay Wadettiwar said on X, “This is a Gen Z victory. Kokarocha organisation is victorious. It is the victory of Sonam Wangchuk’s fast. Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi stood behind the students. The blaze of this movement reached the Prime Minister’s chair, and therefore Pradhan resigned.”Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came out in support of Pradhan and posted a message on X, stating that “Dharmendra Pradhan ji has undertaken several important reforms in the country’s education sector. He played a pivotal role in implementing the National Education Policy. The PM Shri Schools, the expansion of IITs abroad, and the extension of entrance exams to 19 languages are among the many reforms he has carried out. Demonstrating his commitment to the broader societal good, he submitted his resignation today. He placed the nation’s interest above personal gain, which is the hallmark of a true BJP worker.”While Congress Mumbai-chief and MP Varsha Gaikwad saluted the youth power of the country after stating, “Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is a victory for the youth, a victory for India’s democracy…”
