What Next For Dharmendra Pradhan?
According to sources, following sustained pressure from the CJP, the resignation of the then Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, eventually materialised. However, in an apparent effort to prevent any perception of political isolation, depression, or failure to meet expectations, several BJP Members of Parliament reportedly accorded him a warm and enthusiastic welcome at the entrance of Parliament when he arrived after tendering his resignation. Slogans in his support were also raised, the source says.
The source further claims that this show of solidarity was organised without adequately considering that such a public display might not be viewed favourably by the agitators, whose sustained campaign had compelled the government to seek his resignation over the alleged failure of his ministry. According to the source, damage-control efforts followed soon afterwards.
Rumours circulating in the corridors of Parliament suggested that the party leadership did not approve of the welcome. It was reportedly conveyed that the event had been organised by a few Members of Parliament who were personally close to Pradhan, and that the party intended to distance itself from the display, the source says. The source further states that, before the resignation, several senior ministers had attempted to persuade the agitating leaders to accept a compromise in the form of a change in Dharmendra Pradhan’s portfolio instead of his resignation. However, the agitators reportedly maintained a rigid stand and refused any compromise, insisting only on his resignation.
According to the source, the decision to seek Pradhan’s resignation came only after a series of high-level meetings involving senior leadership to assess the situation across the country. Intelligence inputs reportedly indicated that, if the issue was not addressed promptly, the agitation could spread like wildfire and become extremely difficult to contain, the source says. Following these deliberations, senior leaders are said to have decided on 24 July to request Dharmendra Pradhan to submit his resignation. He publicly announced his resignation on the morning of 25 July, the source says.
Meanwhile, speculation regarding his future political role continues. According to the source, discussions in political circles suggest that the party may utilise his organisational and electoral experience in another capacity. Some believe he could be appointed as the party’s General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh, considering the strategic importance of the state and the significance of the forthcoming Assembly elections. Others speculate that he could eventually replace the incumbent Chief Minister of Odisha, the source says. Whatever role he may be assigned, it is widely acknowledged that Dharmendra Pradhan is an experienced politician with considerable expertise in election management and organisational affairs, the source says.
