After the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, Pralhad Joshi was made the new Education Minister. On this, CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya taunted and said that the government has removed one RSS minister and appointed another RSS minister.
New Delhi [भारत]July 26 (ANI): CPI (ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya on Sunday criticized the BJP-led government for appointing Pralhad Joshi as the new education minister in place of Dharmendra Pradhan. Pradhan had resigned yesterday. Bhattacharya alleged that “the RSS minister is gone, they have again brought an RSS minister”. He also said that Pralhad Joshi already holds ministries like consumer affairs and renewable energy and giving him the charge of education shows “how important education is for the Modi government”.
Bhattacharya told ANI, “Pralhad Joshi has been appointed education minister; this is his added influence. He is also the minister of consumer affairs, renewable energy and food and public distribution. So, one thing is clear. It shows how important education is for the Modi government. They needed a minister, and they have appointed one. The RSS minister left; they want an RSS minister, so they have brought an RSS minister again….”
BJP defends Pradhan’s resignation
Meanwhile, BJP MLA in Telangana Assembly Alathi Maheshwar Reddy defended Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, saying the decision shows the BJP’s commitment to accountability and accused the Congress of politicizing the issue. Reddy alleged, “During the UPA government, question papers were leaked 72 times. Not even once did the UPA government take responsibility or accountability. You cannot win elections, so you raise such issues to remain in the news. Rahul ji, why do you mislead the youth and play with their lives like this?”
He further said, “Our leaders stick to the basic principle of ‘nation first, party later, self last’. That is why Dharmendra Pradhan is setting an example for this country by resigning.”
Joshi took charge of the Education Ministry
Joshi was given the charge of the Education Ministry after President Draupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday. Joshi said he would take up his new responsibility “with complete humility and responsibility”.
After assuming charge, Joshi said, “The Prime Minister has reposed confidence in me and entrusted me with such an important responsibility. With complete humility and a strong sense of responsibility, I will fulfill this duty.”
He further said, “I thank the Prime Minister for giving me this important responsibility and for showing such great confidence in me. Under his guidance and leadership, I will work honestly and try my best to live up to his expectations in this department.”
Joshi also credited Pradhan for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and said that many important initiatives have been taken in the education sector in the last few years. Joshi said, “In the last four-five years, Dharmendra Pradhan also implemented the National Education Policy, and many important initiatives were taken. The country has made significant progress in the new education system. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfill my responsibilities with dedication.”
Pradhan resigned after NEET controversy
Pradhan had resigned as Education Minister yesterday after weeks of protests over the NEET-UG paper leak and “irregularities in the examination”. The students were demanding transparency, accountability and reforms in the examination system. His resignation was a major demand of the protesters. Opposition parties were continuously forcing adjournment in Parliament on this issue.
Pradhan had yesterday said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Modi in the interest of students and to ensure that “anti-national forces” do not take advantage of the ongoing protests over exam irregularities.
Movement back after talks with government
Union Minister JP Nadda on Saturday said the government has considered and accepted the demands raised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) during talks on reforms in the education examination system and other issues related to the protests.
Nadda said the government will carefully examine the CJP’s five-point charter on examination reforms and take necessary steps after discussion. He said issues related to cases registered during the protests were also discussed. Nadda said the government would provide copies of the FIR to the protesters and assured that no retaliatory action would be taken against them. On the demand for compensation, Nadda said the government is sympathetic towards the affected families and compensation will be provided as per rules and regulations.
After the talks, the CJP announced the withdrawal of its 37-day agitation at Jantar Mantar, saying the decision was taken in “good faith” after receiving assurances from the government. (ANI)
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