Indore: Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya on Sunday praised former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying he had offered to resign from the very first day of the student protests if the party felt it was necessary.
Speaking to reporters, Vijayvargiya criticised the Congress party, alleging that it had no role in the student agitation and merely tried to take political advantage of the situation.
“If a child is born in a neighbour’s house and Congress beats drums over it, what role did they actually play? The students launched the agitation, and Congress merely stood behind them because, after the Bengal elections, the Opposition had become completely demoralised,” he said.
He further alleged that the Opposition found hope in the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and chose to support its movement.
“They found hope in the CJP and backed it. What role did the Opposition actually play in this? Did any Congress leader face a lathi charge? No one,” Vijayvargiya said.
Praising Pradhan’s conduct during the protests, the BJP leader said, “I have known Dharmendra Pradhan for many years. He performs every responsibility with complete dedication. From the very first day of the movement, he told the party leadership, ‘If you feel that I should resign, I will do so.’ However, the party president told him that the decision would be taken after due discussion. When the situation changed, he submitted his resignation within minutes.”
Vijayvargiya also claimed that Pradhan’s resignation had foiled the plans of “foreign elements” who, according to him, wanted to create unrest in India.
“I congratulate him on his decision to resign. His resignation has defeated the intentions of foreign forces that wanted to create chaos in the country on the lines of Nepal and Bangladesh,” he said.
Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday tendered his resignation as the Union Education Minister amid the paper leak protests across the nation.
Submitting his resignation, Pradhan reaffirmed his commitment to youth and education while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for support, framing it as a response to protect exam integrity and students’ future.
This comes amid the nationwide protests demanding strict action against the paper leaks and exam irregularities, and Education Minister Pradhan’s resignation citing accountability.
In his letter, Pradhan said, “For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation.”
“I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth. Realising the dreams of India’s young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership,” he said.
–IANS
