BJP backs Pradhan, hails his legacy

BJP leaders acknowledged Dharmendra Pradhan’s contributions after he resigned as Union education minister, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju describing his journey as a “testament” to lifelong engagement with public life and student welfare.

BJP president Nitin Nabin said Pradhan’s decision to step down reflects the “highest standards” of integrity and selfless service in public life, asserting that the party stands firmly with him. Nabin said that as Union education minister, Pradhan played a “pivotal role” in reforming India’s education landscape.

He further said that he successfully implementing the “landmark” National Education Policy (NEP 2020), among other initiatives.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was a reflection of the fact that safeguarding the future of the country’s students and youth is of “paramount importance” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA Government. Singh said Pradhan resigned from his post taking into account the views and sentiments of the country’s youth and students.

“This resignation is a testimony of the fact that for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our Government, safeguarding the future of our students and youth is of paramount importance,” the Defence Minister said in a social media post.

Several other Union ministers, including Jitendra Singh, Piyush Goyal, Virendra Kumar, Giriraj Singh and G Kishan Reddy, also lauded Pradhan’s contributions, saying his tenure reflected a strong commitment to strengthening the education ecosystem.

While Singh said Pradhan’s tenure as the education minister reflected a strong commitment to strengthening the education ecosystem, guided by “conviction, energy and a clear sense of purpose”, Goyal said Pradhan has consistently demonstrated commitment, discipline and a “deep connect” with the people, especially with the aspirations of India’s youth, from his early association with student movements to his distinguished roles in public life and governance.

BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde said a strong nation is defined by its education system and Pradhan has always accorded the utmost importance to this idea throughout his public life. Tawde said Pradhan’s journey in public life, which began with student movements, reached a significant milestone when he assumed the role of the country’s education minister.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also praised Dharmendra Pradhan for stepping down from his post, saying the BJP leader placed national interest above personal considerations. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai also lauded Pradhan’s contribution to governance and said his decision to resign reflected his unwavering commitment to moral values and principles in public life.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, terming Pradhan’s exit as an unprecedented and empathetic gesture toward Gen Z and the nation’s youth.