Sharad Pawar Personally Met PM Modi Over NEET Leak, Urged Action on Pradhan’s Resignation

New Delhi: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday stated that he had personally met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to initiate a dialogue regarding the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Pawar said he requested the Prime Minister to either accept Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation or address the concerns of protesting students.

Pawar's remarks came hours after Pradhan resigned as Education Minister, following weeks of nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities. Speaking to reporters, Pawar said he had appealed to Modi to engage with the students to prevent the situation from escalating.

"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," Pawar said.

Pawar added that he was informed the central government had agreed to hold talks with 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, which triggered nationwide protests, a CBI investigation, and demands for reforms in the examination system. Following his resignation, the government held a third round of talks with representatives of a student group, after which the group announced the withdrawal of its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar.

Commenting on the developments, Pawar called Pradhan's resignation a significant democratic moment and 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.