Did Sharad Pawar influence Dharmendra Pradhan's exit? NCP(SP) chief breaks silence

NEW DELHI: Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he had personally met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to initiate a dialogue over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. He said he had appealed to PM Modi to either accept Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation or address the concerns of the protesting students. His remarks came hours after Pradhan resigned as education minister following weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged examination irregularities.Speaking to reporters, Pawar said he had requested the Prime Minister to engage with the students rather than allow the situation to escalate."I personally met the Prime Minister and requested him to engage in dialogue, because in a democracy, communication is essential. If dialogue does not take place, it leads to adverse consequences. I had urged that discussions should begin immediately. Either the resignation should be accepted, or the concerns of the students should be heard," he said.Pawar added that he was informed the Centre had agreed to hold talks with the student representatives."I was informed that Union ministers have told the students they are willing to engage in talks and are prepared for dialogue. I believe this outcome is the result of that very dialogue," he said.Pradhan resigned, taking moral responsibility for the NEET-UG paper leak controversy that triggered nationwide protests, a CBI investigation and demands for reforms in the examination system. Following his resignation, the Centre held a third round of talks with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), after which the student group announced the withdrawal of its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar.Calling Pradhan's resignation a significant democratic moment, Pawar said the government's decision reflected the strength of the youth movement."The youth compelled the government to take moral responsibility in this matter. This is a victory for democracy. It is a powerful symbol of the unity and strength of the nation's youth," he said.Pawar also thanked opposition parties and Members of Parliament for supporting the students during the protests."I sincerely thank the leaders of various political parties and all Members of Parliament for the moral support they extended to the country's youth, both publicly and in Parliament," he added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.