New Delhi: It was youth anger and nationwide protests against successive examination paper leaks and calls for accountability under the Narendra Modi government that forced Dharmendra Pradhan to resign on July 25. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained silent, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and union ministers made no mention of the intense public pressure under which the education minister had left his post. Union ministers heaped praise on Pradhan and said that he had “transformed” India’s education system, contributed to nation-building and revealed a “steadfast commitment”. The statements showed no signs of any introspection into why the resignation was tendered, or why people were asking for it.Union home minister Amit Shah who had remained silent on the protests, the use of excessive force by the Delhi Police-which reports to him-on protesters who had responded to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s Sansad Chalo march on July 20, said in a post on X on July 25 night that Pradhan’s resignation shows that for the BJP positions are not important.“For BJP workers, the country, our youth, and students are far more important than any position. Today, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from his post exemplifies this very principle,” he wrote.Also read: Fourth Case of Pellet-Like Injuries From Delhi Protests, 19-Year-Old Likely to Lose Sight in One EyeWhile Shah said that the Modi government “respects the sentiments of the country’s youth and is committed to implementing the necessary reforms against paper leaks” he then went on to praise Pradhan’s tenure as education minister.“During his tenure, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan ji has brought about significant reforms in the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), arrangements for examinations in mother tongues, expansion of PM SHRI Schools, promotion of digital education, skill development, and strengthening industry-academia coordination,” he said. Shah said that Pradhan’s efforts made the “examination system more inclusive and student-centric” but did not make any mention of the successive paper leak incidents in recent years or even the CBSE online marking system fiasco just in May.In a similar vein, union defence minister Rajnath Singh said that Pradhan had resigned “taking into account the views and sentiments of our 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,” he said.“Whatever concerns students have regarding the NEET exam, paper leaks, and necessary reforms in the education system are being addressed with utmost seriousness and sensitivity by our government,” he added.Singh too did not fall short of praising Pradhan and said that his tenure was marked by “a steadfast commitment to transforming India into developed nation.” “His contribution to public service has been inclusive, future-ready, and aligned with the aspirations of a New India.”BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Nitin Nabin went even a step further and said that the party stands with Pradhan’s decision.“As Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan played a pivotal role in reforming India’s education landscape and successfully implementing the landmark National Education Policy (NEP 2020), among other initiatives. Prioritising larger interests, his decision to step down reflects the highest standards of integrity and selfless service in public life. The party stands firmly with Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji in this decision,” he wrote.Also read: NEET Was the Symptom. The Shelved CLAT Report Is the DiagnosisMoS PMO Jitendra Singh who was seen as one of the government’s troubleshooters, asking leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi to call off his protest outside Modi’s house, negotiating with the CJP, and breaking climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s fast too heaped high praise on Pradhan.Singh said that Pradhan’s resignation is a “moment to acknowledge his deep and enduring connect with students and public life. Few leaders have remained so closely aligned with the aspirations and concerns of young India.”“His tenure reflected a strong commitment to strengthening the education ecosystem, guided by conviction, energy and a clear sense of purpose. He navigated the complexities of educational leadership while keeping students at the centre,” he said.“Thank you, Pradhan ji, for your service and contribution to nation-building. Wishing you continued success ahead,” he added.Not just union ministers, other BJP leaders also posted similar statements praising Pradhan, his tenure making no acknowledgement of the fact that it was Pradhan’s inability to operate his ministry correctly that made him resign at all.Most of the BJP leaders focused on Pradhan’s implementation of NEP, which faced heavy criticism as well as the PM SHRI schools which too has come under fire in opposition-ruled states, and pitched them as the former education minister’s achievements.Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta praised Pradhan’s successful implementation of the NEP, and said that his resignation showed he had prioritised national interest above all. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP organisational secretary B.L. Santosh, union ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw too said that Pradhan had “placed a larger national interest above his professional position.”