Dharmendra Pradhan Breaks Silence on NEET Protests, Says Gen Z Was Misled

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has spoken publicly for the first time since his resignation, asserting that “some tried to mislead Gen Z” during the NEET paper leak protests.

Addressing a felicitation ceremony in Sambalpur, Pradhan revealed that he had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek permission to acknowledge the concerns of young protesters rather than allow their grievances to be politicised.

Pradhan resigned on July 25 amid mounting student unrest, stating that his decision was aimed at safeguarding students’ interests and preventing political exploitation of the controversy.

He emphasised that the government acted promptly after irregularities were reported, handing the case to the CBI and conducting a re‑examination.

Highlighting India’s youth as central to the nation’s future, Pradhan noted that millions of young people will shape India’s ambition to become a global leader.

His remarks come as the government intensifies outreach to younger voters following the protests.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), however, criticised Pradhan’s handling of the situation.

Sambalpur district president Rohit Pujari alleged that police action during the protests worsened the controversy and contributed to criticism of Pradhan’s tenure.

The debate underscores the continuing political fallout from the NEET controversy, with both government and opposition parties offering sharply different narratives.