Home Minister Amit Shah defended Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following Pradhan's resignation amid massive protests over a leaked NEET examination paper [1].
The resignation marks a significant moment for the Narendra Modi government as it faces intense pressure from students demanding accountability and systemic examination reforms [2].
Shah spoke Saturday, and said that the administration respects the sentiments of the youth [3]. He said that the government puts the interests of the country and its students above the holding of political power [2].
"Students are more important than positions," Shah said [3].
While Pradhan stepped down, Shah praised the outgoing minister's record, and said that his tenure has been transformative [1]. The Home Minister also pledged that the government would take strict action against those responsible for the paper leak [3].
The comments follow a period of heightened tension in Delhi, where students gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest the integrity of the medical entrance exam [3]. Police eventually cleared the protest site as the government attempted to manage the fallout from the controversy [3].
Shah said that the Bharatiya Janata Party workers prioritize the future of the youth over individual roles within the cabinet [2]. He said that the country, youth, and students matter more than the positions held by ministers [2].
Further administrative changes were noted at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where an additional charge announcement was made following the reshuffle [3].
“"Students are more important than positions."”
The resignation of the Education Minister suggests that the NEET paper leak has evolved from a technical failure into a political liability for the Modi government. By framing the resignation as a gesture of respect for students, the administration is attempting to neutralize public anger while maintaining that the underlying policy goals of the ministry remain successful.
