Why BJP may not let Dharmendra Pradhan go

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation has become the flashpoint of the nationwide protests over alleged exam paper leaks. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has called his removal "non-negotiable", but the BJP shows no sign of budging, holding firm behind one of its senior-most ministers even as demonstrations intensify and political pressure mounts.

However, the government has sought time until Saturday (July 25) to respond to the protesters' core demands.

Also read: Despite Modi's damage-control measures, why Pradhan still remains accountable

'Pradhan is not an ordinary politician'

In an episode of Capital Beat, The Federal's Editor-in-Chief S Srinivasan explained why the BJP is unlikely to concede the demand despite mounting pressure. He said any such climbdown would be seen as a weakness of the government.

"Dharmendra Pradhan is not an ordinary politician. He is a politician of consequence. He has achievements to his credit and is also a strong organisational leader," Srinivasan said.

Also read: What’s behind Modi govt’s politics of not letting Pradhan go?

He noted that Pradhan played a crucial role in expanding the BJP's footprint in Odisha and was instrumental in the party's electoral success in the state. "He also enjoys close ties with the RSS. From several angles, Dharmendra Pradhan is a very significant minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government," he added.

Resignation seen as political setback

However, Srinivasan said the continuing protests have nevertheless put the government on the defensive, with the agitation refusing to die down despite Wangchuk being removed from the protest site and hospitalised.

According to him, Pradhan's fate is closely tied to the BJP's political messaging. He pointed out that while several ministers resigned over corruption allegations during the UPA years, the NDA has consistently projected itself as a "corruption-free" government.

Also read: Dharmendra Pradhan a 'big liability', should have quit: Renuka Chowdhury

"The government sees Pradhan's resignation as a sign of weakness," Srinivasan said, adding that decision-making in the present dispensation is highly centralised, making any resignation by a senior minister a reflection on the leadership itself.

'The issue is bigger than NEET'

Srinivasan argued that the movement has evolved beyond the alleged NEET paper leak and now reflects wider concerns about India's education system.

Citing data tabled in the Rajya Sabha, he noted that GST collections from coaching institutes increased from around Rs 2,240 crore to Rs 5,517 crore, a rise of nearly 150 per cent.

"I think the entire education system is under scrutiny. The government has announced a few measures, but whether they are sufficient to address the underlying issues remains a difficult question," he said.