Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Over the years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown his own way of backing his ministers when they have faced political heat amid controversies. Be it Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who faced impeachment proceedings, or Hardeep Singh Puri, whose name appeared in files linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, PM Modi has chosen a public show of support over silence. Now, PM Modi’s effusive praise for under-fire Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on his birthday has sent a subtle message amid demands for his sacking over the NEET-UG paper leak fiasco.
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Pradhan, who turned 57 on June 26, has faced a wave of criticism and outrage over the NEET-UG paper leak, CUET-UG exam delays, and issues with CBSE’s paper-checking portal. Leading the demand for Pradhan’s sacking is the youth-driven Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical outfit that is holding protests across the country seeking his removal and an overhaul of the examination handling process.
Pradhan has, however, brazened it out. While he has taken responsibility for the NEET-UG fiasco, he has not shown any inclination to step down as Education Minister.
WHAT PM’S POST FOR DHARMENDRA PRADHAN MEANS?
Amid the row, PM Modi’s enthusiastic praise for Pradhan on his birthday raises key questions. Does it signal that Pradhan continues to enjoy the PM’s backing despite the backlash? And more importantly, does this throw cold water on all demands for his sacking?
Judge it yourself. PM Modi’s post for Pradhan has been viewed by political analysts as more than just a birthday wish. It read more like an endorsement of his assignment and his work.
On Friday, the Prime Minister hailed Pradhan’s “commendable efforts” in implementing the national education policy or NEP.
“Birthday wishes to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He is making commendable efforts towards the implementation of the National Education Policy, which seeks to make India a hub for knowledge, learning and innovation,” PM Modi tweeted.
“Praying for his long and healthy life,” Modi further said.
The Prime Minister’s praise for Pradhan’s work is being widely seen as a signal of confidence in his minister. The timing is also crucial, coming amid the buzz of a reshuffle in the Union Cabinet as the Modi 3.0 government completed two years in office.
There has been intense speculation that Pradhan may be shifted to another ministry, or be drafted in for organisational work ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.
However, an unceremonious exit from the Union Cabinet for Pradhan would be bad optics for the NDA government. It may seem like PM Modi bowing to the growing clamour for Pradhan’s sacking. On the other hand, experts have argued that such a pivot risks the government being accused of not being alive to the sentiments of the youth, who have joined in large numbers in protests against Pradhan.
Moreover, the NEET-UG paper leak is likely to be the opposition’s weapon of choice during the Monsoon session of Parliament to corner the government.
The sparks were already visible on Friday as the Congress took potshots at PM Modi for praising the “underperforming” Pradhan. The Congress listed the names of 14 NEET aspirants who died by suicide, allegedly due to the exam mess.
Over 22 lakh students appeared for the medical entrance examination on May 3. However, the exam was cancelled as the paper leak fiasco came to light. The NEET-UG re-exam was held on June 21 amid tight security, with the Indian Air Force (IAF), in an unprecedented move, ferrying the question papers.
“Remember these students. Every one of them. When PM Modi praised Dharmendra Pradhan on his birthday, did he even spare a thought for these children?” Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
WHEN PM STOOD BY OM BIRLA, HARDEEP PURI
Whether too much has been read into PM Modi’s praise for Pradhan ahead of a looming Cabinet reshuffle remains to be seen. However, in the past, we have seen how PM Modi has publicly backed leaders under political pressure.
Earlier this year, in February, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla faced opposition heat over alleged partisan conduct. A resolution was submitted by the opposition seeking his removal. It was, however, defeated during voting in the Lok Sabha in March.
Even though Birla faced impeachment proceedings, he was chosen by PM Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Choosing Birla, and not any member from his Cabinet, signalled PM Modi’s firm backing of the Speaker amid the no-confidence motion.
At that time, the Congress, in a cryptic remark, called it a reward for Birla for not letting Rahul Gandhi speak in the Lok Sabha.
THE EPSTEIN SAGA
The same month, another BJP leader was facing significant political heat. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri came under fire from the opposition after his name cropped up in the Epstein files. The files showed multiple email exchanges between Puri and the American sex offender between 2014-2017.
The opposition pounced on the controversy and demanded his resignation. Daily press conferences were held. It became a hot topic in Parliament as well.
Puri, however, clarified that he had met the convicted financier “three or four times” in a “professional capacity”. As the controversy brewed, PM Modi posted a glowing birthday message for Puri.
“His efforts towards ensuring India is self-reliant in the petroleum and natural gas sectors are commendable. Praying for his long life and good health,” PM Modi tweeted.
It was then viewed as a quiet signal of support.
“Om Birla, and not some other minister, going to the Bangladesh swearing-in, is the Prime Minister’s way of backing him amid a no-confidence motion. Just like…birthday wish to Hardeep Puri was his way of backing amid the Epstein controversy,” journalist Sanket Upadhyay had tweeted.
The latest effusive praise for Dharmendra Pradhan amid the NEET-UG paper leak fiasco seems to be another instance of PM Modi’s distinct political style to back his ministers during controversies.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
