BJP Calls Reports On Pradhan Exit After CJP Dispute Over Portfolio Change Baseless

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday rejected reports claiming that former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) opposed a government proposal to shift him to another portfolio. The party described the reports as “baseless and imaginative”, accusing some sections of attempting to create confusion around the issue. BJP MP and party spokesperson Sambit Patra dismissed the reports while speaking to reporters at the Parliament House complex. He said the claims were being presented in a sensational manner and did not reflect the actual developments surrounding Pradhan’s resignation from the Union Cabinet.

The reports had suggested that during discussions between the government and representatives of the CJP, which led protests at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak issue, an initial proposal was made to reassign Pradhan to another ministry instead of removing him from the Cabinet. According to these reports, the proposal was allegedly rejected by the CJP, with the protesters insisting that Pradhan should step down from his position as Education Minister. The claims linked the development to negotiations held during the protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.

Patra, however, denied the reports and said there was no basis for such claims. He accused those circulating the information of attempting to draw unnecessary conclusions and create a misleading narrative about the government’s decision-making process. The controversy comes after Pradhan resigned from the Education Ministry amid continued political pressure over allegations related to examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak issue. The matter triggered widespread protests by students and opposition parties demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.

Also Read: Sources: CJP Had Refused Centre’s Offer To Alter Pradhan’s Portfolio During Student Protests

The government has since moved towards strengthening measures against paper leaks and examination-related fraud. A bill aimed at tightening provisions against such offences has also been introduced in Parliament, with provisions for stricter punishment for those involved in organised attempts to compromise competitive examinations. The CJP had led a prolonged agitation demanding action over alleged failures in the examination system. The protests drew national attention and intensified calls for reforms in the functioning of examination authorities and greater accountability from officials.

The BJP’s rejection of the reports indicates that the party is seeking to counter claims linking Pradhan’s resignation directly to negotiations with protesters. Party leaders have maintained that government decisions are based on administrative priorities and broader considerations. Meanwhile, political discussions continue over the handling of examination reforms and the government’s response to concerns raised by students and opposition parties. The issue remains a key point of debate as Parliament considers measures to improve transparency and security in the examination process.

Also Read: Centre Proposed Changing Pradhan's Portfolio Before His Resignation, Sources Say