Dharmendra Pradhan claims Gen Z was misled during NEET protests

Dharmendra Pradhan NEET paper leak Gen Z Odisha politics resignation

Dharmendra Pradhan, former Union Education Minister, has broken his silence following his resignation on July 25 amid nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Speaking at events in Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar, Pradhan claimed that certain elements attempted to "mislead" Gen Z during the protests. He emphasized that his resignation was not motivated by personal prestige but by a desire to ensure student grievances were not exploited for political gain and to prioritize national interest.

Pradhan also addressed political friction in Odisha, responding to protests organized by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). He dismissed slogans calling for his departure, stating his commitment to the state remains unchanged despite criticism from BJD President Naveen Patnaik. He accused the BJD of involving youth in political protests.

Separately, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, urging citizens to use cloth flags instead of plastic for environmental reasons. Majhi also cautioned the younger generation against being influenced by "external forces" and misinformation through social media and other channels, describing Gen Z as vital to India's future development.

Entities

Bharatiya Janata Party · Biju Janata Dal · Dharmendra Pradhan · India · Mohan Charan Majhi · Narendra Modi · Naveen Patnaik · Navin Patnaik · Sanjay Raut

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 27 SOURCES] Pradhan stated that his ministerial position was not a matter of personal prestige or importance. navbharatlive.com · www.newsnationtv.com · www.timesnowhindi.com · www.newsbytesapp.com · www.siasat.com · +20 more
[● 22 SOURCES] Pradhan met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer his resignation and discuss protesters' demands. navbharatlive.com · www.timesnowhindi.com · www.siasat.com · www.dtnext.in · english.mathrubhumi.com · +15 more
[DISPUTED] Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post as Union Education Minister on July 25. navbharatlive.com · www.timesnowhindi.com · www.siasat.com · www.dtnext.in · english.mathrubhumi.com · +20 more
[● 18 SOURCES] Pradhan is not deterred by BJD slogans in Odisha and remains committed to the state's honor. navbharatlive.com · www.newsnationtv.com · www.timesnowhindi.com · www.siasat.com · www.dtnext.in · +12 more
[● 28 SOURCES] Dharmendra Pradhan stated that attempts were made to mislead Gen Z during the NEET paper leak protests. navbharatlive.com · www.newsnationtv.com · www.timesnowhindi.com · www.newsbytesapp.com · www.siasat.com · +21 more
[● 15 SOURCES] Pradhan stated he is a farmer's son and will return to Odisha despite protests. navbharatlive.com · www.siasat.com · www.timesnowhindi.com · www.dtnext.in · english.mathrubhumi.com · +9 more
[● 20 SOURCES] Pradhan sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's permission to accept the demands of protesters at Jantar Mantar. www.newsbytesapp.com · navbharatlive.com · www.dtnext.in · english.mathrubhumi.com · hindi.asianetnews.com · +14 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi cautioned Gen Z to stay away from external forces and misinformation. odishatv.in · www.orissapost.com · www.dinalipi.com · www.ibc24.in
[● 4 SOURCES] Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged citizens to use cloth flags during the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. desitalkchicago.com · www.dinalipi.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut rejected claims that students were misled, arguing they were provoked by Ministry mismanagement. www.edexlive.com