'NDA ministers don't resign': Rajnath Singh's old remark goes viral after Dharmendra Pradhan's exit
An 11-year-old statement by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has resurfaced on social media following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with many users
An 11-year-old statement by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has resurfaced on social media following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with many users linking the old remark to the latest political developments. Pradhan stepped down on Saturday amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. Soon after the announcement, a video clip from Rajnath Singh's June 24, 2015 press conference began circulating widely online. In the viral clip, Singh is heard saying, "Our ministers do not have to resign. This is not their (Congress) government, this is the NDA government." Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What led to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister? ⌵ Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid nationwide protests over alleged NEET paper leaks and examination irregularities, marking only the second instance of a resignation during Prime Minister Modi's tenure. 2 How did Rajnath Singh's 2015 statement about minister resignations resurface in relation to Pradhan's exit? ⌵ Rajnath Singh's 2015 statement that 'our ministers do not have to resign' gained traction on social media after Pradhan's resignation, prompting comparisons between the two political events. 3 Why were protests demanding Pradhan's resignation significant? ⌵ The protests, led by various student organizations and activists, were significant as they represented widespread discontent over examination irregularities and called for accountability within the education system.
4 What were the reactions from political leaders following Pradhan's resignation? ⌵ Political leaders like Rahul Gandhi praised the students' persistence, calling it a victory for democracy, while others emphasized the need for further reforms in the education system. 5 How did the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) contribute to the protests? ⌵ The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) played a crucial role by organizing protests demanding Pradhan's resignation and led significant actions at locations like Jantar Mantar, amplifying the voices of students nationwide. The statement was made more than a decade ago during the controversy surrounding former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi, when the Opposition had demanded the resignation of senior BJP leaders. Also Read | Dharmendra Pradhan resignation LIVE: Pralhad Joshi named new Education Minister What Rajnath Singh Had Said In 2015 During the June 2015 press conference, Rajnath Singh was responding to questions about the Congress's demand for the resignation of then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Repeating the government's position, Singh had said, "Our ministers do not have to resign. This is not their (Congress) government, this is NDA government." At the time, Swaraj and Raje were facing criticism from the Opposition over allegations that they had helped former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi obtain travel documents in the United Kingdom.
